Will “Railroad Switchman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Railroad Switchman” 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 “Railroad Switchman”

Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
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.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
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.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
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.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Refuel and lubricate engines.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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