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Best States for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers: Highest-paid Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers by State

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    Carter A
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Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers play crucial roles in the efficient operation of rail yards by moving and organizing railcars, locomotives, and other equipment.

This article will explore the best states for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers are in New Jersey, where they earn an average of $81,950 per year.
  • The lowest-paid rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers are in Pennsylvania, where they earn an average of $31,890 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $54,663 per year.

1. New Jersey ($81,950)

New Jersey Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in New Jersey is $81,950, which is +50% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$81,950
10th Percentile$78,300
25th Percentile$81,460
75th Percentile$85,610
90th Percentile$85,610

2. New York ($76,700)

New York Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New York earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in New York is $76,700, which is +40% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$76,700
10th Percentile$71,280
25th Percentile$71,580
75th Percentile$86,630
90th Percentile$87,770

3. Minnesota ($69,830)

Minnesota Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Minnesota earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in Minnesota is $69,830, which is +28% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$69,830
10th Percentile$48,520
25th Percentile$64,730
75th Percentile$88,870
90th Percentile$89,120

4. Oklahoma ($68,680)

Oklahoma Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Oklahoma earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in Oklahoma is $68,680, which is +26% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$68,680
10th Percentile$36,210
25th Percentile$47,470
75th Percentile$93,640
90th Percentile$121,800

5. Illinois ($68,020)

Illinois Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Illinois earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in Illinois is $68,020, which is +24% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$68,020
10th Percentile$50,250
25th Percentile$52,810
75th Percentile$68,380
90th Percentile$81,420

6. West Virginia ($67,140)

West Virginia Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in West Virginia earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in West Virginia is $67,140, which is +23% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$67,140
10th Percentile$60,470
25th Percentile$60,730
75th Percentile$64,080
90th Percentile$86,460

7. Missouri ($62,650)

Missouri Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Missouri earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in Missouri is $62,650, which is +15% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$62,650
10th Percentile$56,140
25th Percentile$60,980
75th Percentile$63,840
90th Percentile$63,840

8. Florida ($62,590)

Florida Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Florida earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in Florida is $62,590, which is +15% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$62,590
10th Percentile$61,430
25th Percentile$61,760
75th Percentile$61,990
90th Percentile$61,990

9. Massachusetts ($59,560)

Massachusetts Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Massachusetts earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in Massachusetts is $59,560, which is +9% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$59,560
10th Percentile$34,560
25th Percentile$44,680
75th Percentile$67,930
90th Percentile$89,900

10. Utah ($58,940)

Utah Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Utah earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers in Utah is $58,940, which is +8% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$58,940
10th Percentile$41,840
25th Percentile$49,200
75th Percentile$62,010
90th Percentile$67,340

Conclusion

The highest-paid rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers are in New Jersey, where they earn an average of $81,950 per year. The lowest-paid rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers are in Pennsylvania, where they earn an average of $31,890 per year. The U.S. average salary for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers is $54,663 per year and there are 2,846 jobs in the field.