Will “Yard Switch Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Yard Switch Operator” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #458 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-4021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 55,320.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 26.00
Currently, there are 19,860 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Yard Switch Operator”

Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.

Related Technology & Tools

Dock boards
Steam pressure gauges
Car pullers
Signal flares
Safety air horns
Equipment couplers
Derailers
Railroad track switches
Diesel switch engines
Mobile radios
Diesel freight engines
Dinky engines
Protective glasses
Oil pressure gauges
Steel-toes boots
Hand brakes
Signal flags
Remote control locomotives
Automatic track switching systems
Ground throw switches
Switch handles
Locomotive wheel chocks
Specialty wrench sets
Safety gloves
Electric freight engines
Signaling lanterns
Buffer stops
Mobile scaffolding
Air pressure gauges

Data entry software
Time tracking software
Electronic train management systems ETMS
Route mapping software