Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
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 720 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second 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 about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second 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 second 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 50% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
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.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Somewhat similar work+6% pay3,323 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 6% more—$86,327 vs your $81,747 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
- Transportation
- Far Vision
- Public Safety and Security
- Reaction Time
- Operations Monitoring
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Response Orientation
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Somewhat similar work+19% pay238 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 19% more—$97,208 vs your $81,747 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
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Sensitivity
- Far Vision
New skills to build
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Building and Construction
- Equipment Selection