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What Does it Take to Be a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Definition Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Responsibilities
- Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
- Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
- Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
- Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
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Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Required Skills
These are the skills Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler
- Locomotive Engineer
- Car Barn Laborer
- Larriman
- Train Operator
- Yard Motor Operator
Job Demand for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 4,400 jobs in the United States for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler by 2026. The BLS estimates 400 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler are South Carolina, Texas, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Minnesota, or Michigan. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make between $33,280 and $81,380 a year.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers who work in South Carolina, New York, or Alabama, make the highest salaries.
How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,960 |
| Arkansas | $40,320 |
| California | $55,480 |
| Colorado | $36,980 |
| Florida | $54,890 |
| Georgia | $41,010 |
| Illinois | $58,140 |
| Indiana | $59,130 |
| Kentucky | $49,940 |
| Massachusetts | $61,180 |
| Michigan | $40,570 |
| Minnesota | $55,740 |
| Missouri | $44,900 |
| Nebraska | $58,090 |
| New York | $72,370 |
| North Carolina | $45,740 |
| Ohio | $56,780 |
| Oklahoma | $71,640 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,650 |
| South Carolina | $73,390 |
| Tennessee | $52,250 |
| Texas | $51,140 |
| Utah | $44,380 |
| West Virginia | $50,040 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers:
- Web browser software
Becoming a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler
What kind of Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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