Will “Nipper” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Nipper” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #458 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-4021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 55,320.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 26.00
Currently, there are 19,860 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Nipper”

Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.

Related Technology & Tools

Protective glasses
Locomotive wheel chocks
Dinky engines
Steel-toes boots
Car pullers
Remote control locomotives
Railroad track switches
Hand brakes
Safety gloves
Ground throw switches
Equipment couplers
Mobile radios
Signaling lanterns
Dock boards
Automatic track switching systems
Air pressure gauges
Diesel switch engines
Specialty wrench sets
Derailers
Steam pressure gauges
Signal flares
Signal flags
Oil pressure gauges
Safety air horns
Diesel freight engines
Switch handles
Electric freight engines
Mobile scaffolding
Buffer stops

Data entry software
Route mapping software
Time tracking software
Electronic train management systems ETMS