Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in the United States was $60,600 ($29.14 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $44,540 | $21.41 |
| 25th | $52,780 | $25.37 |
| Median | $60,600 | $29.14 |
| 75th | $80,360 | $38.63 |
| 90th | $100,270 | $48.21 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 53-4013
- Total U.S. employment: 3,920
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
Reading the data
With approximately 3,920 rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers employed, this is a modest occupation in the labor market.
At $29.14 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $60,611 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $60,600.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,900 | $23.51 | -19.3% | 80 |
| Arkansas | $38,980 | $18.74 | -35.7% | 70 |
| California | $67,160 | $32.29 | +10.8% | 190 |
| Colorado | $60,770 | $29.22 | +0.3% | 0 |
| Florida | $80,360 | $38.63 | +32.6% | 120 |
| Indiana | $54,420 | $26.16 | -10.2% | 190 |
| Kansas | $56,090 | $26.97 | -7.4% | 0 |
| Kentucky | $62,070 | $29.84 | +2.4% | 110 |
| Nevada | $48,970 | $23.55 | -19.2% | 40 |
| New Jersey | $71,030 | $34.15 | +17.2% | 130 |
| Ohio | $59,460 | $28.59 | -1.9% | 0 |
| Oklahoma | $63,400 | $30.48 | +4.6% | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,380 | $31.43 | +7.9% | 40 |
| Tennessee | $54,060 | $25.99 | -10.8% | 60 |
| Texas | $53,130 | $25.54 | -12.3% | 50 |
| Utah | $58,380 | $28.07 | -3.7% | 0 |
| West Virginia | $91,380 | $43.93 | +50.8% | 40 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Pharmacy Technicians — $45,750/yr
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — $63,800/yr
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants — $76,590/yr
- Training and Development Specialists — $69,280/yr
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $37,450/yr
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics — $64,520/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers?
The median annual wage for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $60,600 ($29.14 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 3,920 rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $29.14. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.