Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in the United States was $29.14, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $21.41 |
| 25th | $25.37 |
| Median | $29.14 |
| 75th | $38.63 |
| 90th | $48.21 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $29.14; the mean hourly wage is $32.91.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $21.41 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $48.21 per hour.