Rail Car Repairers
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 164 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.
AI can help with or automate about 10% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
AI could do much of this on its own
Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Test units for operability before and after repairs.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
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.
Millwrights
Similar workslightly less pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$81,814 vs your $86,975 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
- Manual Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Building and Construction
- Multilimb Coordination
New skills to build
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Physics
- Installation
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Somewhat similar work+12% pay238 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 12% more—$97,208 vs your $86,975 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
New skills to build
- Telecommunications
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay3,557 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$79,594 vs your $86,975 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Installation
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Somewhat similar work+3% pay321 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 3% more—$89,511 vs your $86,975 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
- Building and Construction
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
Your current skills largely cover this move.