Rankings β†’ Will AI Replace…

Will AI Replace Locomotive Engineers?

61/100 β€” High Risk
SOC 53-4011

πŸ’‘ Locomotive Engineers have a composite risk score of 61/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 96%, GenAI exposure: 42/100). With 31,990 workers in the US, this is one of the most AI-vulnerable occupations. Full occupation profile β†’

🎯 The Verdict

Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5–10 years.

With 31,990 workers and a median wage of $77K,locomotive engineers represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 42%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.

Risk Score

61/100

Employment

31,990

Median Wage

$77K

GenAI Exposure

42%

⚠️ Top Risk Factors

1.

Drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers

2.

AI route optimization reducing dispatcher roles

3.

Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems

4.

Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology

πŸ›‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace

βœ“

Emergency situation response and quick decision-making

βœ“

Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions

βœ“

Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery

πŸ”„ Career Transition Paths

Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:

Air Transportation Workers

75% skills overlap Β· $107K median wage

31/100

Ship Engineers

71% skills overlap Β· $101K median wage

33/100

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

84% skills overlap Β· $64K median wage

29/100

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI completely replace locomotive engineers?

Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5–10 years.

What is the AI risk score for locomotive engineers?

Locomotive Engineers have a composite AI automation risk score of 61 out of 100, classified as "High Risk".

How many locomotive engineers are there in the US?

There are approximately 31,990 locomotive engineers employed in the United States.

What do locomotive engineers earn?

The median annual wage for locomotive engineers is $77K.

What skills should locomotive engineers develop?

Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: emergency situation response and quick decision-making, navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions, customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.