Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in California
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California make a median of $65,500 a year, or about $31.49 an hour. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $66K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $66K get you in California?
About rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K.Top earners bring in $66K or more - a $9K spread from bottom to top.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $74K | +27% | N/A |
| North Dakota | $74K | +27% | 50 |
| West Virginia | $70K | +21% | 70 |
| California | $66K | +13% | 280 |
| Pennsylvania | $64K | +11% | 60 |
| New Jersey | $59K | +2% | 210 |
| Florida | $58K | +0% | 30 |
| Ohio | $58K | -0% | N/A |
| Alabama | $57K | -2% | 50 |
| Texas | $53K | -8% | 80 |
| Kansas | $53K | -9% | 60 |
| Kentucky | $50K | -14% | 120 |
| Georgia | $49K | -16% | 170 |
| Indiana | $48K | -17% | 300 |
| Arkansas | $48K | -18% | 30 |
Track rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make in California?
The median is $65,500 a year - that works out to about $31.49 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $56,980, and experienced rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers can clear $65,530. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,344/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 50.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers salary is worth about $65,500 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.