Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers are responsible for operating locomotives to move, couple, and uncouple cars within railroad yards or industrial plants. Their job description typically includes: 1. Operating locomotives to move railcars within the yard or plant. 2. Following signals from yard workers to safely position cars for loading and unloading. 3. Observing and communicating with other workers to ensure safe movement of trains. 4. Inspecting locomotives and reporting any mechanical issues. 5. Connecting air hoses between locomotives when assembling or disassembling trains. 6. Keeping records of the work performed and activities in the yard. 7. Collaborating with yardmasters, conductors, and other personnel to coordinate activities. 8. Adhering to safety regulations and protocols at all times. 9. Operating switches and derails to route trains within the yard. 10. Assisting in the maintenance and cleaning of locomotives and equipment. This job requires a good understanding of railroad operations, safety procedures, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $40,020.00 |
25th percentile | $46,230.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $61,200.00 |
75th percentile | $62,430.00 |
90th percentile | $80,570.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $19.24 |
25th percentile | $22.23 |
median (50th percentile) | $29.42 |
75th percentile | $30.02 |
90th percentile | $38.74 |
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions, though some employers may prefer candidates with postsecondary education in railroad operations or a related field. While formal education beyond high school is not always mandatory, on-the-job training is crucial for these roles. Rail yard engineers operate locomotives within rail yards to move freight cars, dinkey operators transport materials within industrial sites using dinkeys (small locomotives), and hostlers move locomotives around rail yards. Training for these positions involves a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and supervision by experienced workers. This training covers safety procedures, equipment operation, company policies, and relevant regulations to ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely in a rail yard environment.