Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, & Hostlers

Also Called: Engineer, Railcar Switcher, Railroad Engineer

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$38,800

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, & Hostlers do

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

  • Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  • Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  • Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
Industry Areas:

Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Material Distribution Operations • OCT-Only Transportation • Transportation Office Support

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Work With Work Group or Team

Tools

  • Heavy rail turnout switch
  • Wheel chocks
  • Diesel freight locomotives
  • Railway signaling systems
  • Pressure indicators

Technology

Facilities management software
Railcar inspection management software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
Railyard management software RMS

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring

Knowledge

Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Communications
telecommunications

Education

  • 79% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 14% Some college, no degree
  • 5% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, & Hostlers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Motorboat Operators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Executive Secretaries & Executive Administrative Assistants

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Brokerage Clerks

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Atlanta - Job Corps

    Atlanta, Georgia

  • Excelsior Springs - Job Corps

    Excelsior Springs, Missouri

ACT & College

  • Alamance Community College

    Graham, NC

  • Allan Hancock College

    Santa Maria, CA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Independence

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Controlled Movement
  • Verbal
  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Hearing and Speech

This is what Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, & Hostlers across the country typically make.

$18.65 / hour
$38,800 /year

Entry Level

$27.44 / hour
$57,070 /year

Median Level

$36.77 / hour
$76,470 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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