Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay in the United States

In the U.S., the median pay for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $29.14 an hour ($60,600 a year). About 3,920 people work in this job there.

$29.14Median hourly pay

$52,780–$80,360Middle half of workers, yearly

3,920People in this job in the U.S.

Pay range for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in the U.S.

Earns more than	Hourly	Yearly
10% of workers	$21.41	$44,540
25% of workers	$25.37	$52,780
Half of workers (median)	$29.14	$60,600
75% of workers	$38.63	$80,360
90% of workers	$48.21	$100,270

Best-paying states for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers

State	Median yearly pay	People in this job
West Virginia	$91,380	40
Florida	$80,360	120
New Jersey	$71,030	130
California	$67,160	190
Pennsylvania	$65,380	40
Oklahoma	$63,400	70
Kentucky	$62,070	110
Colorado	$60,770	0
Ohio	$59,460	0
Utah	$58,380	0

Education, experience and outlook for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
Job outlook: +0.8% over ten years, little or no change · about 300 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in the U.S.

Job	Median yearly pay
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	$58,640
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators	$46,420
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$59,850
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$61,770
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	$78,000
Locomotive Engineers	$81,410
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers	$68,840
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders	$58,870

Other job titles for this job

HostlerCar Barn LaborerCoal Tram DriverCoal TrammerDiesel Dinkey EngineerDiesel Dinkey OperatorDinkey DriverDinkey Engine OperatorDinkey EngineerDinkey Locomotive EngineerDinkey Locomotive OperatorDinkey Motor Operator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.