How the national numbers differ
1Crane and Tower Operators has the edge on annual openings
Crane and Tower Operators is at 3,500 annual openings, compared with 300 annual openings for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers.
Crane and Tower Operators has the edge on projected growth
Crane and Tower Operators is at 3.8% projected growth, compared with 0.8% projected growth for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers.
Typical preparation differs.
Crane and Tower Operators: High school diploma or equivalent; Prior related experience: less than 5 years; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers: High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.
Crane and Tower Operators has the edge on median pay
Crane and Tower Operators is at $68,080, compared with $60,600 for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers.
53.5/ 100Crane and Tower Operators
vs
36.2/ 100Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Crane and Tower Operators vs Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
| Dimension | Crane and Tower Operators | Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $68,080 | $60,600 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 59.7 percentile | 49.1 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 3.8% | 0.8% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 3,500 | 300 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 42,900 | 3,500 |
|---|
| How you qualify | High school diploma or equivalent; Prior related experience: less than 5 years; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 3 | Job Zone 2 |
| Related work experience | Prior related experience: less than 5 years. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
