Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in West Virginia
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 West Virginia the median pay is $91,380 a year, 51% above the national median of $60,600.
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
Knowledge areas
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers.
Licenses and training in West Virginia
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay in other states
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, West Virginia, annual.