Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
SOC Code: 53-4013Also known as:
Car Barn Laborer, Car Mover, Carman, Coal Tram Driver, Coal Trammer
Median Annual Salary
$58,030
+0.3% growth (2024-2034)
200
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers Do
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
💰 Salary
$58,030
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.3%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
200
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,100
Projected Employment (2034)
3,100
Related Careers
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
$60,640 •
+2.4% growth
Locomotive engineers
$77,400 •
+0.7% growth
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
$65,480 •
+1.0% growth
Railroad conductors and yardmasters
$74,080 •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Speaking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
- Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- Apply and release hand brakes.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
- Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
- Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
- Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
- Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers:
Railroad and Railway Transportation
78 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 78 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers make?
The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $58,030.
What education do rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers need?
Most rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Railroad and Railway Transportation.
Is becoming rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers a good career choice?
Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is projected to see +0.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers?
Top colleges for aspiring rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers include
Johnson County Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers?
Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers may also be known as: Car Barn Laborer, Car Mover, Carman, Coal Tram Driver, Coal Trammer, Diesel Dinkey Engineer, Diesel Dinkey Operator, Dinkey Driver, Dinkey Engine Operator, Dinkey Engineer, Dinkey Locomotive Engineer, Dinkey Locomotive Operator, Dinkey Motor Operator, Dinkey Operator, Dinkey Skinner, Dump Motor Operator, Dump Motorman, Duty Engineer, Engine Hostler, Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.