What Does it Take to Be a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
Occupation Description Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Life As a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler: What Do They Do?
- Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
- Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
- Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
- Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
- Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
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Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Needed Skills
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Rail Equipment Operator
- Hostler
- Mine Motor Operator
- Dinkey Skinner
- Coal Tram Driver
Job Outlook 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. 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.
Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers is somewhere 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Use?
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
How do I Become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler?
Where Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Are Employed
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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