SOC 53-4013 · May 2025 · United States
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers across the United States is $60,600 per year, measured over 3,920 jobs. The highest state median is in West Virginia, at $91,380.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Pay for this occupation varies by 134.4% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. West Virginia pays $91,380 and Arkansas pays $38,980.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | $91,380 | 40 | |
| 2 | Florida | $80,360 | 120 | |
| 3 | New Jersey | $71,030 | 130 | |
| 4 | California | $67,160 | 190 | |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | $65,380 | 40 | |
| 6 | Oklahoma | $63,400 | 70 | |
| 7 | Kentucky | $62,070 | 110 | |
| 8 | Colorado | $60,770 | — | |
| 9 | Ohio | $59,460 | — | |
| 10 | Utah | $58,380 | — |
States with the most Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 190 | $67,160 | |
| 2 | Indiana | 190 | $54,420 | |
| 3 | New Jersey | 130 | $71,030 | |
| 4 | Florida | 120 | $80,360 | |
| 5 | Kentucky | 110 | $62,070 | |
| 6 | Alabama | 80 | $48,900 | |
| 7 | Arkansas | 70 | $38,980 | |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 70 | $63,400 | |
| 9 | Tennessee | 60 | $54,060 | |
| 10 | Texas | 50 | $53,130 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salt Lake City | $61,230 | — |
| 2 | New York | $53,890 | 60 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.