Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Texas
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. In Texas the median pay is $53,130 a year, 12% below the national median of $60,600.
$53,130median pay in Texas, per year
$48,630–$101,310middle half earn
50employed in Texas
$60,600U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlMonitoringOperations MonitoringSpeakingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementMechanicalEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal Service
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers.
Licenses and training in Texas
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay in other states
West Virginia · $91,380Florida · $80,360New Jersey · $71,030California · $67,160Pennsylvania · $65,380Oklahoma · $63,400Kentucky · $62,070Colorado · $60,770Ohio · $59,460Utah · $58,380
Related occupations
Locomotive EngineersRailroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive FirersRailroad Conductors and YardmastersSubway and Streetcar OperatorsRail Transportation Workers, All OtherAircraft Cargo Handling SupervisorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, HandRecycling Coordinators
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Texas, annual.