Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in New Jersey
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey make a median of $59,450 a year, or about $28.58 an hour. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $99K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $59K get you in New Jersey?
About rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New Jersey
Entry-level rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $59K.Top earners bring in $99K or more - a $51K 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 New Jersey numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make in New Jersey?
The median is $59,450 a year - that works out to about $28.58 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,120, and experienced rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers can clear $99,470. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $59K enough to live in New Jersey?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,001/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,792/month (median of metro areas), which eats 44.8% 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 New Jersey?
New Jersey 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 $59,450 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.