SOC 53-4011
Locomotive Engineers
Risk Score
⚠️61/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥31,990
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$77K
$61K – $101K
Projected Growth
📈+0.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖42/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Locomotive Engineers face a risk score of 61/100 — 17 points above the national average of 44. With only 42/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $77K ($31K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 61/100, Locomotive Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 31,990 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency situation response and quick decision-making and navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Locomotive Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers
AI route optimization reducing dispatcher roles
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 75% |
| Ship Engineers | 33 | $101K | 71% |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 29 | $64K | 84% |