Will “Brakeman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Brakeman” 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 “Brakeman”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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