entityType = "role"
schemaVersion = "role.v1"
slug = "role-53-4013-00"
socCode = "53-4013.00"
title = "Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers"
summary = "Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location."
aliases = ["Engineer", "Railcar Switcher", "Railroad Engineer", "Switchman", "Carman", "Hostler", "Rail Yard Engineer", "Yard Engineer", "Car Barn Laborer", "Car Mover", "Coal Tram Driver", "Coal Trammer"]
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 = 82.54

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Post-Secondary Certificate"
percentage = 13.35

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Less than a High School Diploma"
percentage = 4.11

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

[market]
medianWage = 58030
meanWage = 60810
pct10Wage = 44510
pct25Wage = 51770
pct75Wage = 65530
pct90Wage = 79070
employment = 3300
areaTitle = "U.S."

[industries]
count = 3

[[industries.top]]
naics = "48-49"
slug = "48-49"
title = "Transportation and Warehousing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 2820
medianWage = 58030
lq = 17.82

[[industries.top]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 120
medianWage = 61300
lq = 0.44

[[industries.top]]
naics = "21"
slug = "21"
title = "Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction"
level = "Sector"
employment = 80
medianWage = 64130

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "48-49"
slug = "48-49"
title = "Transportation and Warehousing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 2820
lq = 17.82

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 120
lq = 0.44

[aiOutlook]
teleworkable = false
usageRelease = "2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2"

[aiOutlook.index]
value = 31
percentile = 29
band = "Low"
version = "ai-exposure-index-v1"
componentCount = 3

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 24
source = "felten_aioe"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 25
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 44
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"

[aiOutlook.freyHistorical]
source = "frey"
label = "Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)"
value = 0.91
percentile = 81
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 = 0.20454545454545456
beta = 0.20454545454545456
gamma = 0.20454545454545456

[aiOutlook.bls]
growthPercent = 0.3
growthPercentile = 28
direction = "About average"
annualOpeningsThousands = 0.2
annualOpeningsPercentile = 2
employment2024Thousands = 3.1
employment2034Thousands = 3.1

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.)"
value = -0.8320907
percentile = 24
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 = 0.20454545454545456
percentile = 25
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 = 0.13460737085080504
percentile = 44
band = "Moderate"
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.usageTasks]]
task = "Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel."
usagePercent = 0.004827266041929427
importance = 4.3

[[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 = 23
skills = 32
capabilities = 120
tools = 8
relatedRoles = 20

[source]
dataset = "gold.onet_role_starter_surface"
version = "30.3"
generatedAt = "2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00"
contentHash = "08dcc5e51d20618c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.d"

[[tasks]]
text = "Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.d"

[[tasks]]
text = "Apply and release hand brakes."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.4.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.b.1.b"

[[tasks]]
text = "Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.d"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.3.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ah"

[[tasks]]
text = "Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.4.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.d"

[[tasks]]
text = "Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.1.b"

[[tasks]]
text = "Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement."
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement."
iwa = "4.A.4.b.1.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor traffic signals."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.d"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.4.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.d"

[[activities]]
name = "Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.1.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments."
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.3.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor vehicle movement or location."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.n"

[[activities]]
name = "Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.4.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Connect hoses to equipment or machinery."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ah"

[[activities]]
name = "Connect cables or electrical lines."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.ah"

[[activities]]
name = "Position material handling equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.v"

[[activities]]
name = "Record operational or production data."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.6.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Record service or repair activities."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.6.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.4.e"

[[capabilities]]
name = "Transportation"
family = "knowledge"
value = 4.15

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 4

[[capabilities]]
name = "Problem Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 4

[[capabilities]]
name = "Far Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.88

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

[[capabilities]]
name = "Control Precision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reaction Time"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Public Safety and Security"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.64

[[capabilities]]
name = "Monitoring"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operations Monitoring"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Expression"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Response Orientation"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

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

[[capabilities]]
name = "Visual Color Discrimination"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speaking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.5

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speech Clarity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.5

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Listening"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Selective Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Arm-Hand Steadiness"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Manual Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Rate Control"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Multilimb Coordination"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Depth Perception"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speech Recognition"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Administration and Management"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.22

[[capabilities]]
name = "Mechanical"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.14

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.12

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

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

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

[[capabilities]]
name = "Judgment and Decision Making"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Time Management"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

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

[[capabilities]]
name = "Flexibility of Closure"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Perceptual Speed"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Visualization"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[[skills]]
name = "Industrial Control Software"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[tools]]
example = "Positive train control PTC systems"
category = "Expert system software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Railcar inspection management software"
category = "Facilities management software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "RailComm DocYard"
category = "Industrial control software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Railyard inventory software"
category = "Inventory management software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Railyard management software RMS"
category = "Data base user interface and query software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System"
category = "Industrial control software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager"
category = "Inventory management software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Web browser software"
category = "Internet browser 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 = 4.95

[[workContext]]
name = "Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team"
value = 4.89

[[workContext]]
name = "Health and Safety of Other Workers"
value = 4.75

[[workContext]]
name = "Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams"
value = 4.7

[[workContext]]
name = "Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions"
value = 4.68

[[workContext]]
name = "Consequence of Error"
value = 4.49

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable"
value = 4.48

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls"
value = 4.32

[[workContext]]
name = "Contact With Others"
value = 4.31

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Contaminants"
value = 4.31

[[workContext]]
name = "Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results"
value = 4.17

[[workContext]]
name = "Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities"
value = 4.16

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures"
value = 4.15

[[workContext]]
name = "Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers"
value = 4.1

[[workContext]]
name = "Freedom to Make Decisions"
value = 3.96

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment"
value = 3.92

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions"
value = 3.85

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Sitting"
value = 3.74

[[workContext]]
name = "Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled"
value = 3.69

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Being Exact or Accurate"
value = 3.54

[[workContext]]
name = "Frequency of Decision Making"
value = 3.52

[[workContext]]
name = "Time Pressure"
value = 3.48

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions"
value = 3.4

[[workContext]]
name = "Telephone Conversations"
value = 3.36

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Equipment"
value = 3.35

[[workContext]]
name = "Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals"
value = 3.33

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Repeating Same Tasks"
value = 3.27

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Whole Body Vibration"
value = 3.14

[[workContext]]
name = "Conflict Situations"
value = 3.07

[[workContext]]
name = "Written Letters and Memos"
value = 2.96

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body"
value = 2.95

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions"
value = 2.88

[[workContext]]
name = "Physical Proximity"
value = 2.87

[[workContext]]
name = "Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People"
value = 2.81

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings"
value = 2.78

[[workContext]]
name = "Deal With External Customers or the Public in General"
value = 2.66

[[workContext]]
name = "E-Mail"
value = 2.65

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Conditions"
value = 2.41

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Walking or Running"
value = 2.39

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment"
value = 2.32

[[personFit]]
name = "Realistic"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 6.78

[[personFit]]
name = "Transportation/Machine Operation"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 6.75

[[personFit]]
name = "Conventional"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 4.3

[[personFit]]
name = "Mechanics/Electronics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.88

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical/Manual Labor"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.49

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

[[personFit]]
name = "Engineering"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.67

[[personFit]]
name = "Cautiousness"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.62

[[personFit]]
name = "Attention to Detail"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.28

[[personFit]]
name = "Enterprising"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 2.07

[[personFit]]
name = "Investigative"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 2.02

[[personFit]]
name = "Integrity"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.89

[[personFit]]
name = "Social"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 1.76

[[personFit]]
name = "Stress Tolerance"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.76

[[personFit]]
name = "Protective Service"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.51

[[personFit]]
name = "Management/Administration"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.47

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-4022.00"
slug = "role-53-4022-00"
title = "Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-4011.00"
slug = "role-53-4011-00"
title = "Locomotive Engineers"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-4031.00"
slug = "role-53-4031-00"
title = "Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "49-3031.00"
slug = "role-49-3031-00"
title = "Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists"
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 = "53-7051.00"
slug = "role-53-7051-00"
title = "Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-3032.00"
slug = "role-53-3032-00"
title = "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-7121.00"
slug = "role-53-7121-00"
title = "Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders"
tier = "Primary-Long"

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

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-5044.00"
slug = "role-47-5044-00"
title = "Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-7021.00"
slug = "role-53-7021-00"
title = "Crane and Tower Operators"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "49-3043.00"
slug = "role-49-3043-00"
title = "Rail Car Repairers"
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 = 0.91
scale = "0-1 probability"
release = "2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "AI occupational exposure"
score = -0.8320907
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_image_generation_aioe"
label = "Image generation occupational exposure"
score = -0.3241935
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_language_modeling_aioe"
label = "Language modeling occupational exposure"
score = -1.021101
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"
