entityType = "role"
schemaVersion = "role.v1"
slug = "role-47-4061-00"
socCode = "47-4061.00"
title = "Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators"
summary = "Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators."
aliases = ["Track Inspector", "Track Laborer", "Track Maintainer", "Track Repairer", "Machine Operator", "Rail Maintenance Worker", "Track Equipment Operator (TEO)", "Track Walker", "Trackman", "Ballast Cleaning Machine Operator", "Emergency Service Restorer", "Maintenance Laborer"]
emergingTasks = []

[preparation]
jobZone = "2"
jobZoneName = "Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed"
education = "Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not."
experience = "Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training."
svpRange = "(Below 6.0)"

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "High School Diploma"
percentage = 90.22

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Less than a High School Diploma"
percentage = 9.78

[educationLevel]
category = "High school diploma or equivalent"
slug = "high-school-diploma-or-equivalent"

[market]
medianWage = 67370
meanWage = 68270
pct10Wage = 45720
pct25Wage = 51630
pct75Wage = 79330
pct90Wage = 84840
employment = 16480
areaTitle = "U.S."

[industries]
count = 3

[[industries.top]]
naics = "48-49"
slug = "48-49"
title = "Transportation and Warehousing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 11560
medianWage = 64550
lq = 14.63

[[industries.top]]
naics = "23"
slug = "23"
title = "Construction"
level = "Sector"
employment = 980
medianWage = 45890
lq = 1.13

[[industries.top]]
naics = "21"
slug = "21"
title = "Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction"
level = "Sector"
employment = 50
medianWage = 66350

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "48-49"
slug = "48-49"
title = "Transportation and Warehousing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 11560
lq = 14.63

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "23"
slug = "23"
title = "Construction"
level = "Sector"
employment = 980
lq = 1.13

[aiOutlook]
teleworkable = false
usageTasks = []

[aiOutlook.index]
value = 3
percentile = 1
band = "Low"
version = "ai-exposure-index-v1"
componentCount = 3

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 7
source = "felten_aioe"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 3
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 0
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"

[aiOutlook.freyHistorical]
source = "frey"
label = "Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)"
value = 0.89
percentile = 76
band = "High"
note = "A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking."

[aiOutlook.eloundou]
alpha = 0
beta = 0
gamma = 0

[aiOutlook.bls]
growthPercent = 1.6
growthPercentile = 37
direction = "About average"
annualOpeningsThousands = 1.1
annualOpeningsPercentile = 17
employment2024Thousands = 15
employment2034Thousands = 15.3

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.)"
value = -1.39906
percentile = 7
band = "Low"
note = "How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "eloundou_gamma"
label = "LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou)"
value = 0
percentile = 3
band = "Low"
note = "Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "microsoft_applicability"
label = "AI assistant applicability (Microsoft)"
value = 0
percentile = 0
band = "Low"
note = "How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement."

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "bls_employment_projections"
version = "2024-2034"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "dingel_neiman"
version = "dingel-neiman-workathome"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "felten_aioe"
version = "felten-raj-seamans-aioe"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "frey_osborne"
version = "frey-osborne-automation"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"
version = "working-with-ai"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"
version = "gpts-are-gpts"

[counts]
tasks = 26
skills = 32
capabilities = 120
tools = 3
relatedRoles = 20

[source]
dataset = "gold.onet_role_starter_surface"
version = "30.3"
generatedAt = "2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00"
contentHash = "1f503749e949d45e"

[[tasks]]
text = "Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.g"

[[tasks]]
text = "Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.b.5.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ai"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.l"

[[tasks]]
text = "Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.b.5.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ad"

[[tasks]]
text = "Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Clean equipment or facilities."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Maintain mechanical equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.5.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Maintain construction tools or equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.5.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Cut metal components for installation."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.l"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Drill holes in construction materials."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ad"

[[activities]]
name = "Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.o"

[[activities]]
name = "Verify alignment of structures or equipment."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Compact materials to create level bases."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Apply sealants or other protective coatings."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ag"

[[activities]]
name = "Cut wood components for installation."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.l"

[[activities]]
name = "Apply paint to surfaces."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ag"

[[activities]]
name = "Weld metal components."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ai"

[[capabilities]]
name = "Control Precision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operations Monitoring"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operation and Control"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Manual Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Multilimb Coordination"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Transportation"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.66

[[capabilities]]
name = "Mechanical"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.65

[[capabilities]]
name = "Problem Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Arm-Hand Steadiness"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reaction Time"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Far Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Building and Construction"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.51

[[capabilities]]
name = "Flexibility of Closure"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Visualization"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Near Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Depth Perception"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Equipment Maintenance"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Troubleshooting"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Public Safety and Security"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Perceptual Speed"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Rate Control"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Static Strength"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Monitoring"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Coordination"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Repairing"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Quality Control Analysis"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Information Ordering"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Selective Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Response Orientation"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Dynamic Strength"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Trunk Strength"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Extent Flexibility"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Auditory Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Administration and Management"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.04

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Listening"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Judgment and Decision Making"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[skills]]
name = "Visualization"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Depth Perception"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Maintenance"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Information Ordering"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Time Management"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Microsoft Excel"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Listening"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Mathematics"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Speech Recognition"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Social Perceptiveness"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "English Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Selection"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Learning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Physics"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Learning Strategies"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Telecommunications"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Instructing"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Geography"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Chemistry"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Writing"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Psychology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Systems Analysis"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Negotiation"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Biology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Foreign Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Installation"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Excel"
category = "Spreadsheet software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Office software"
category = "Office suite software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Timekeeping software"
category = "Time accounting software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[workContext]]
name = "Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets"
value = 4.99

[[workContext]]
name = "Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions"
value = 4.95

[[workContext]]
name = "Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams"
value = 4.89

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable"
value = 4.79

[[workContext]]
name = "Contact With Others"
value = 4.56

[[workContext]]
name = "Telephone Conversations"
value = 4.4

[[workContext]]
name = "Health and Safety of Other Workers"
value = 4.39

[[workContext]]
name = "Physical Proximity"
value = 4.39

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures"
value = 4.38

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls"
value = 4.35

[[workContext]]
name = "Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team"
value = 4.34

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Equipment"
value = 4.31

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment"
value = 4.13

[[workContext]]
name = "Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals"
value = 4.07

[[workContext]]
name = "Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities"
value = 4.03

[[workContext]]
name = "Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers"
value = 4.01

[[workContext]]
name = "Freedom to Make Decisions"
value = 4

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Contaminants"
value = 3.97

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions"
value = 3.94

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Being Exact or Accurate"
value = 3.92

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions"
value = 3.91

[[workContext]]
name = "Time Pressure"
value = 3.9

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings"
value = 3.86

[[workContext]]
name = "Consequence of Error"
value = 3.84

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Standing"
value = 3.79

[[workContext]]
name = "Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results"
value = 3.79

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body"
value = 3.75

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Whole Body Vibration"
value = 3.71

[[workContext]]
name = "Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment"
value = 3.64

[[workContext]]
name = "Frequency of Decision Making"
value = 3.57

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment"
value = 3.41

[[workContext]]
name = "Written Letters and Memos"
value = 3.33

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Repeating Same Tasks"
value = 3.3

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Walking or Running"
value = 3.26

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions"
value = 2.94

[[workContext]]
name = "Level of Competition"
value = 2.87

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling"
value = 2.83

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Conditions"
value = 2.76

[[workContext]]
name = "Conflict Situations"
value = 2.71

[[workContext]]
name = "Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection"
value = 2.64

[[personFit]]
name = "Realistic"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 7

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical/Manual Labor"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 6.48

[[personFit]]
name = "Transportation/Machine Operation"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 5.74

[[personFit]]
name = "Mechanics/Electronics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 4.14

[[personFit]]
name = "Conventional"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 4.11

[[personFit]]
name = "Dependability"
family = "work_style"
value = 3

[[personFit]]
name = "Engineering"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.92

[[personFit]]
name = "Cautiousness"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.28

[[personFit]]
name = "Attention to Detail"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.19

[[personFit]]
name = "Construction/Woodwork"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.16

[[personFit]]
name = "Investigative"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 1.7

[[personFit]]
name = "Nature/Outdoors"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.49

[[personFit]]
name = "Stress Tolerance"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.35

[[personFit]]
name = "Protective Service"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.32

[[personFit]]
name = "Management/Administration"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.26

[[personFit]]
name = "Perseverance"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.23

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-2071.00"
slug = "role-47-2071-00"
title = "Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-2073.00"
slug = "role-47-2073-00"
title = "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "49-9044.00"
slug = "role-49-9044-00"
title = "Millwrights"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-2072.00"
slug = "role-47-2072-00"
title = "Pile Driver Operators"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-5022.00"
slug = "role-47-5022-00"
title = "Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "49-3043.00"
slug = "role-49-3043-00"
title = "Rail Car Repairers"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "49-3042.00"
slug = "role-49-3042-00"
title = "Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-2061.00"
slug = "role-47-2061-00"
title = "Construction Laborers"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-7041.00"
slug = "role-53-7041-00"
title = "Hoist and Winch Operators"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-5023.00"
slug = "role-47-5023-00"
title = "Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-5041.00"
slug = "role-47-5041-00"
title = "Continuous Mining Machine Operators"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-4051.00"
slug = "role-47-4051-00"
title = "Highway Maintenance Workers"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[careerClusters]]
cluster = "Supply Chain & Transportation"
slug = "supply-chain-transportation"

[[studyPrograms]]
title = "Transportation and Materials Moving"
slug = "transportation-and-materials-moving"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "frey_osborne"
label = "Computerization probability"
score = 0.89
scale = "0-1 probability"
release = "2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "AI occupational exposure"
score = -1.39906
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_image_generation_aioe"
label = "Image generation occupational exposure"
score = -0.8163661
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_language_modeling_aioe"
label = "Language modeling occupational exposure"
score = -1.496825
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"
