Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
SOC: 53-4013 O*NET: 53-4013.00
Median Salary
$58,030
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.3%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
What does a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$44,510
10th percentile
Early Career
$51,770
25th percentile
Median
$58,030
50th percentile
Experienced
$65,530
75th percentile
Top Earners
$79,070
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$44,510
25th
$51,770
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,030
Mean: $60,810
75th
$65,530
90th
$79,070
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $34,560 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $51,770 and $65,530
- •Salary spread is 23.7% around the median, showing low variation
- •Total national employment: 3,300 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:3,100
Top Industries
Rail Transportation57.3%
Rail Transportation57.3%
Support Activities for Transportation23.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.3%
Annual Openings:200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)3,100
Current
2034 (Projected)3,100
+0.3%
0
Employment Change
+0.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 15 locations
Indiana
300 jobs$47,9604.38x
California
280 jobs$65,5000.73x
New Jersey
210 jobs$59,4502.35x
Georgia
170 jobs$48,7001.65x
Kentucky
120 jobs$50,0902.75x
Texas
80 jobs$53,2500.26x
West Virginia
70 jobs$70,4804.34x
Pennsylvania
60 jobs$64,1300.46x
Kansas
60 jobs$52,7101.94x
North Dakota
50 jobs$73,6205.28x
Alabama
50 jobs$57,0501.07x
Florida
30 jobs$58,2200.15x
Arkansas
30 jobs$47,7801.13x
New York
0 jobs$73,8400.00x
Ohio
0 jobs$58,0000.00x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Critical Thinking
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Reading Comprehension
46%
#10
Troubleshooting
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Power Plant Operators82%
5 shared skills
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels82%
5 shared skills
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Commercial Pilots82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Critical Thinking
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (13)Training & Development (4)Operations & Execution (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development97% perform98%
3
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Apply and release hand brakes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution82% perform88%
8
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development79% perform86%
9
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.65
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.57
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.41
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.38
Concern for Others
Very ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level4.32
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.32
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.6
Cooperation
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Concern for Others
4.3
Self-Control
4.3
Integrity
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Independence
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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