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Transportation and Logistics

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
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Median pay

$58,030
Median annual pay for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

3,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Transportation
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Far Vision
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  3. 3Health and Safety of Other Workers
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  6. 6Consequence of Error

Representative tasks

  • Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  • Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  • Apply and release hand brakes.
  • Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  • Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  • Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  • Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  • Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.

Software and tools

Positive train control PTC systemsRailcar inspection management softwareRailComm DocYardRailyard inventory softwareRailyard management software RMSSoftrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking SystemSoftrail AEI Rail & Road ManagerWeb browser software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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