Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers operate locomotives and small switching engines in railroad yards, industrial plants, quarries, and construction sites. They move rail cars, position equipment, and manage locomotive movement within confined areas following established safety procedures and rail protocols.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work involves operating locomotives to switch and arrange rail cars throughout a yard or industrial facility. Tasks include coupling and uncoupling cars, monitoring gauges and instruments, communicating with other rail workers via radio, checking equipment for safe operation, and maintaining detailed logs of movements. Most positions involve shift work and require alertness during all weather conditions.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
This work suits people who prefer structured, rule-based environments and hands-on mechanical tasks. If you're detail-oriented, comfortable following established procedures, and interested in operating heavy equipment with measurable, concrete responsibilities, this career matches a practical, conventional approach to work.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $63,510 | $91,380 | $91,380 | 40 |
| Florida | $80,360 | $80,360 | $80,580 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $53,890 | $71,030 | $102,220 | 130 |
| California | $67,130 | $67,160 | $67,160 | 190 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,350 | $65,380 | $65,420 | 40 |
| Oklahoma | $39,890 | $63,400 | $80,360 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $51,410 | $62,070 | $100,760 | 110 |
| Colorado | $57,680 | $60,770 | $61,350 | — |
| Ohio | $59,330 | $59,460 | $59,500 | — |
| Utah | $43,160 | $58,380 | $61,230 | — |
| Kansas | $49,200 | $56,090 | $56,090 | — |
| Indiana | $42,790 | $54,420 | $68,160 | 190 |
All 17 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-4013.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.