SOC 534013
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
National Median
$58,030
per year
National Salary Overview
Median Annual
$58,030
Entry Level (10th pct)
$44,510
Experienced (90th pct)
$79,070
Total Employed
3,300
Salary Distribution
Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level0-2 years experience | $44,510 - $51,770 |
| Mid Career2-8 years experience | $51,770 - $65,530 |
| Senior / Expert8+ years experience | $65,530 - $79,070 |
Highest Paying Locations for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary by Location
Compare salaries across 20 metropolitan areas
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | Employed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $89,150 | 40 | |
| New York | $73,840 | N/A | |
| North Dakota | $73,620 | 50 | |
| West Virginia | $70,480 | 70 | |
| West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | $68,660 | 40 | |
| California | $65,500 | 280 | |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $65,120 | 50 | |
| Pennsylvania | $64,130 | 60 | |
| New Jersey | $59,450 | 210 | |
| Florida | $58,220 | 30 | |
| Ohio | $58,000 | N/A | |
| Alabama | $57,050 | 50 | |
| Texas | $53,250 | 80 | |
| Kansas | $52,710 | 60 | |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $52,590 | 130 | |
| Kentucky | $50,090 | 120 | |
| Georgia | $48,700 | 170 | |
| Indiana | $47,960 | 300 | |
| Arkansas | $47,780 | 30 | |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $38,580 | 80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?
The national median annual salary for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers is $58,030, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.
Where do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlerss earn the most?
The highest-paying metro area for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlerss is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, with a median salary of $89,150.
How much can an experienced Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make?
Top-earning Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlerss (90th percentile) make $79,070 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.