Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 321 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
Almost none of this job's tasks are the kind AI can help with or automate.
Tasks AI can't do much of
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Very similar workslightly less pay1,580 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$83,178 vs your $89,511 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Far Vision
New skills to build
- Operation and Control
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Similar work+6% pay240 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 6% more—$95,116 vs your $89,511 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Mechanical
- Far Vision
New skills to build
- Gross Body Equilibrium
- Static Strength
- Finger Dexterity
Riggers
Similar work+21% pay90 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 21% more—$108,583 vs your $89,511 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Visualization
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
New skills to build
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
Millwrights
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$81,814 vs your $89,511 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Static Strength
New skills to build
- Installation
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Design
- English Language
Rail Car Repairers
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay164 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$86,975 vs your $89,511 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Control Precision
- Building and Construction
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
New skills to build
- Repairing
- Design
- Installation
- Troubleshooting