The EMD SD38-2 is a model of six-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) from 1972 to 1979.

EMD built 90 of these medium road-switchers, which were used in both yard and mainline roles.

Part of the EMD Dash 2 line, the SD38-2 was an upgraded SD38 with modular electronic control systems, HT-C trucks, and many other detail improvements.

The locomotive's power was provided by an EMD 16-645E 16-cylinder engine, which could generate 2,000 horsepower (1,500 kilowatts).

It shared the same 64-foot-8-inch (19.71 m) frame as the SD40-2 and SD45-2, which gives it a length over couplers of 68 feet 10 inches (20.98 m).