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Railroad Worker

Also known as: Track Laborer, Railroad Maintenance Worker, Gandy Dancer, Rail Section Hand

AI Impact Score

25/100

Railroad maintenance is physically demanding work in unpredictable outdoor environments that resists automation. AI-powered inspection drones and sensor systems will enhance defect detection, but hands-on track repair, switch maintenance, and signal installation remain firmly human tasks.

$42k – $78k

Salary Range

stable

Growth Outlook

110,000

Total Jobs (US)

+2%

Growth Rate

Task Breakdown

Tasks at Risk (4)

Visual track inspection for obvious defectsBasic measurement loggingSimple inventory tracking of materialsRoutine reporting and paperwork

AI-Enhanced Tasks (4)

Defect prioritization using sensor dataMaintenance scheduling optimizationGPS-guided track geometry correctionPredictive rail wear analysis

Human-Safe Tasks (6)

Physical rail replacement and weldingSwitch and crossing installationEmergency track repair after derailmentsWorking in extreme weather conditionsFlagging and on-track safety protectionBallast tamping and surfacing