Locomotive Engineers
The short answer
Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 111 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 36% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
AI could do much of this on its own
Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
AI could do much of this on its own
Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
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.
Air Traffic Controllers
Very similar work+33% pay156 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 33% more—$148,137 vs your $111,616 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
- Far Vision
- Selective Attention
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Speed of Closure
- Time Sharing
- Geography
- Customer and Personal Service
- Deductive Reasoning
Ship Engineers
Very similar work+22% pay72 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 22% more—$136,570 vs your $111,616 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, with less than 5 years of experience.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Control Precision
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Somewhat similar work+28% pay508 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 28% more—$142,573 vs your $111,616 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Public Safety and Security
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Customer and Personal Service