Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers earn a median $60,600 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
What rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers do
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +0.8% (slower than average)
- Openings per year
- 300
Employment of rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is projected to grow 0.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$5,092
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,757
- Medicare (1.45%)$879
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$50,872
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,540 | $21.41 | $37,968 |
| 25th percentile | $52,780 | $25.38 | $44,589 |
| Median (50th) | $60,600 | $29.13 | $50,872 |
| 75th percentile | $80,360 | $38.63 | $65,363 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,270 | $48.21 | $79,370 |
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $91,380 | +29.7% | $69,646 | $62,990 – $91,380 | 40 |
| Florida | $80,360 | +38.0% | $65,363 | $56,900 – $80,580 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $71,030 | +19.5% | $56,423 | $51,350 – $102,220 | 130 |
| California | $67,160 | +2.5% | $53,043 | $66,990 – $67,160 | 190 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,380 | +1.9% | $52,706 | $36,390 – $65,850 | 40 |
| Oklahoma | $63,400 | — | $50,814 | $38,570 – $80,440 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $62,070 | +23.9% | $49,998 | $48,770 – $102,430 | 110 |
| Colorado | $60,770 | — | $49,043 | $54,810 – $81,670 | — |
| Ohio | $59,460 | +2.5% | $49,103 | $50,480 – $68,480 | — |
| Utah | $58,380 | — | $47,427 | $43,160 – $61,230 | — |
| Kansas | $56,090 | +6.4% | $44,918 | $48,330 – $59,240 | — |
| Indiana | $54,420 | +13.5% | $44,331 | $38,370 – $105,530 | 190 |
| Tennessee | $54,060 | — | $45,617 | $44,330 – $79,690 | 60 |
| Texas | $53,130 | −0.2% | $44,870 | $44,540 – $101,310 | 50 |
| Nevada | $48,970 | — | $41,527 | $40,650 – $58,640 | 40 |
| Alabama | $48,900 | −14.3% | $39,291 | $31,270 – $75,220 | 80 |
| Arkansas | $38,980 | −18.4% | $32,193 | $37,550 – $72,340 | 70 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locomotive Engineer | $81,410 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.5% |
| Rail Transportation Workers, All Other | $56,360 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.4% |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | $68,840 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.8% |
| Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster | $78,000 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.9% |
| Subway and Streetcar Operator | $86,380 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.7% |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $61,770 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.3% |
| Traffic Technician | $59,090 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $59,050 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.1% |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $58,870 | No formal educational credential | +2.8% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver | $58,640 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +3.8% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make?
The national median salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $60,600 a year ($29.13 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $44,540 and the top 10% earn over $100,270. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers the most?
West Virginia has the highest median pay at $91,380.
How many rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers are there in the U.S.?
About 3,920 people work as rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers nationwide.