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Signal and Track Switch 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 238 openings expected each year.

Step 1

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

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

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.

Step 2

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 8% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Test and repair track circuits.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Drive motor vehicles to job sites.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

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.

  • Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

    Similar work
    +28% pay12,294 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 28% more—$124,706 vs your $97,208 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

    • Control Precision
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Mechanical
    • Building and Construction
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Education and Training
    • Multilimb Coordination
  • Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

    Similar work
    +7% pay772 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 7% more—$103,817 vs your $97,208 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

    • Public Safety and Security
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Mechanical
    • English Language

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Telecommunications
    • Sales and Marketing
    • Communications and Media