Transportation & Logistics
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Also called: Carman, Engineer, Hostler, Rail Yard Engineer
US median pay
$60,600
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+0.8%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
300
3,500 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
What they do day to day
- Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
- Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- Apply and release hand brakes.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
- Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
- Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
- Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
- Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control3.8/5
- Operations Monitoring3.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Coordination3.1/5
Knowledge
- Transportation4.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.2/5
- Mechanical3.1/5
- English Language3.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma83%
- Post-secondary certificate13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.