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AI Work Index

Headline risk

4%

Very Low Risk

Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers

United States AI Work IndexISCO 8311crosswalk_exact

United States AI Work Index tracks this occupation on the shared structural baseline and then layers on local demand resilience, wages, and confidence.

3.1 current · 3.1 projectedConfidence high

Why This Score

Tasks 100%

Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities

Wage $58K

Median annual wage

Demand 0%

Projected employment change over 10 years

Preparation Zone 2

Typical preparation needed for this occupation

Occupation profile

Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

Task evidence

100% weighted task match · 0% effective coverage

Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works

United States Now

Median Wage

USD 58,030

Employment 2024

3.1K

Projected Change (2024–34)

0.3%

Openings (2024–34)

0.2K

Wage distribution

Bottom 10%: USD 44,51025th pctl: USD 51,770Median: USD 58,03075th pctl: USD 65,530Top 10%: USD 79,070

Demand outlook

Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience: —

Role Profile

Detail orientedAdaptabilityProblem solving and decision making

Tasks

  • 1. Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation. AI use: 0%
  • 2. Apply and release hand brakes. AI use: 0%
  • 3. Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars. AI use: 0%
  • 4. Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment. AI use: 0%
  • 5. Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones. AI use: 0%
  • 6. Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars. AI use: 0%

Technologies

Positive train control PTC systemsRailcar inspection management softwareRailComm DocYardRailyard inventory softwareRailyard management software RMSSoftrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System

Requirements

Work context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets 5.0/5
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team 4.9/5
Health and Safety of Other Workers 4.8/5
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams 4.7/5
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions 4.7/5
Consequence of Error 4.5/5

Worker profile

Median age 48.6 · 108K employed

Under 25: 2% · 25–54: 63% · 55+: 36%

Related

No direct US role match is available yet for this occupation.

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