Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in U.S.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in U.S. make a median of $58,030 a year, or about $27.9 an hour. The range runs from $45K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $58K get you in U.S.?
About rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers (10th percentile) start around $45K. Mid-career wages sit at $58K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $35K 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make in U.S.?
The median is $58,030 a year - that works out to about $27.9 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $44,510, and experienced rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers can clear $79,070. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $58K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,056/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 34.8% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $58,030 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.