Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN make a median of $65,120 a year, or about $31.31 an hour. The range runs from $45K at the entry level to $65K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $62,863 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 41.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $65K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers (10th percentile) start around $45K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K.Top earners bring in $65K or more - a $20K 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $65,120 a year - that works out to about $31.31 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,420, and experienced rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers can clear $65,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,248/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 41.9% 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers salary is worth about $62,863 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.