Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary by State
Also called: Rail Yard Engineers
The national median pay for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $60,600 a year. By state, it ranges from $38,980 in Arkansas to $91,380 in West Virginia.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $44,540
- 25th percentile
- $52,780
- Median
- $60,600
- 75th percentile
- $80,360
- Top 10%
- $100,270
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 3,920 jobs.
Median pay in 17 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | $91,380 | +51% | $62,990 | $91,380 | 40 |
| 2 | Florida | $80,360 | +33% | $56,900 | $80,580 | 120 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $71,030 | +17% | $51,350 | $102,220 | 130 |
| 4 | California | $67,160 | +11% | $66,990 | $67,160 | 190 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | $65,380 | +8% | $36,390 | $65,850 | 40 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | $63,400 | +5% | $38,570 | $80,440 | 70 |
| 7 | Kentucky | $62,070 | +2% | $48,770 | $102,430 | 110 |
| 8 | Colorado | $60,770 | 0% | $54,810 | $81,670 | Not published |
| 9 | Ohio | $59,460 | −2% | $50,480 | $68,480 | Not published |
| 10 | Utah | $58,380 | −4% | $43,160 | $61,230 | Not published |
| 11 | Kansas | $56,090 | −7% | $48,330 | $59,240 | Not published |
| 12 | Indiana | $54,420 | −10% | $38,370 | $105,530 | 190 |
| 13 | Tennessee | $54,060 | −11% | $44,330 | $79,690 | 60 |
| 14 | Texas | $53,130 | −12% | $44,540 | $101,310 | 50 |
| 15 | Nevada | $48,970 | −19% | $40,650 | $58,640 | 40 |
| 16 | Alabama | $48,900 | −19% | $31,270 | $75,220 | 80 |
| 17 | Arkansas | $38,980 | −36% | $37,550 | $72,340 | 70 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary questions
Which state pays rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers the most?
West Virginia, with a median of $91,380 a year (+51% vs. the national median of $60,600). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers the least?
Arkansas, with a median of $38,980 a year (−36% vs. national).
Where do most rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers work?
California has the most jobs, about 190, with a median of $67,160.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.