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What Do Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Do?

Position Description Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

List of Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Job Duties

Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.

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Skills Needed to be a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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 Jobs

Diesel Dinkey Operator
Rail Equipment Operator
Mine Motor Operator
Dinkey Engine Operator
Switcher Operator

Is There Job Demand for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?

There were about 4,400 jobs for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler per year.

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

The average yearly salary of a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler ranges between $33,280 and $81,380.

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 different U.S. states?

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

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers may use on a daily basis:

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How to Become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler

Are there Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?

References:

Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain

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