Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 53-4013As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in the United States is $60,600 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 4,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $44,540 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $52,780 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $60,600 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $80,360 | Experienced |
| 90th | $100,270 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →Median Salary by State
| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $91,380 | $79,630 | 40 |
| Florida | $80,360 | $77,700 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $71,030 | $74,840 | 130 |
| California | $67,160 | $66,450 | 190 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,380 | $56,570 | 40 |
| Oklahoma | $63,400 | $60,580 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $62,070 | $71,390 | 110 |
| Colorado | $60,770 | $62,260 | — |
| Ohio | $59,460 | $58,760 | — |
| Utah | $58,380 | $55,770 | — |
| Kansas | $56,090 | $53,250 | — |
| Indiana | $54,420 | $59,260 | 190 |
| Tennessee | $54,060 | $61,460 | 60 |
| Texas | $53,130 | $67,450 | 50 |
| Nevada | $48,970 | $48,430 | 40 |
| Alabama | $48,900 | $54,390 | 80 |
| Arkansas | $38,980 | $45,500 | 70 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in the US?
The US national median wage for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $60,600 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in the US?
Pay ranges from $44,540 at the 10th percentile to $100,270 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers the most?
The highest-paying states for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers include West Virginia ($91,380), Florida ($80,360), New Jersey ($71,030). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — West Virginia ($91,380) pays roughly 134% more than Arkansas ($38,980). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02