All About Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Career Description Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Responsibilities
- Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
- Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
- Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
- Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Apply and release hand brakes.
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What Every Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Should Know
These are the skills Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Other Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Job Titles
- Larry Car Operator
- Switch Engineer
- Goat Driver
- Dinkey Engineer
- Yard Hostler
Is There Going to be Demand for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?
There were about 4,400 jobs for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 400 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler are South Carolina, Texas, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Minnesota, or Michigan. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler ranges between $33,280 and $81,380.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers who work in South Carolina, New York, or Alabama, make the highest salaries.
How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,960 |
| Arkansas | $40,320 |
| California | $55,480 |
| Colorado | $36,980 |
| Florida | $54,890 |
| Georgia | $41,010 |
| Illinois | $58,140 |
| Indiana | $59,130 |
| Kentucky | $49,940 |
| Massachusetts | $61,180 |
| Michigan | $40,570 |
| Minnesota | $55,740 |
| Missouri | $44,900 |
| Nebraska | $58,090 |
| New York | $72,370 |
| North Carolina | $45,740 |
| Ohio | $56,780 |
| Oklahoma | $71,640 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,650 |
| South Carolina | $73,390 |
| Tennessee | $52,250 |
| Texas | $51,140 |
| Utah | $44,380 |
| West Virginia | $50,040 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers may use on a daily basis:
- Web browser software
How do I Become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
Are there Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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