Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler

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

• Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
• Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
• Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
• Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
• Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
• Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Operation Monitoring
:
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control
:
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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.

Speaking
:
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring
:
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Complex Problem Solving
:
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Duty Engineer
• Switch Crew Supervisor
• Dinkey Motor Operator

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 4,400 jobs in the United States for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler. 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. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler per year.

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 Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make between $33,280 and $81,380 a year.

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers who work in South Carolina, New York, or Alabama, make the highest salaries.