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Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in KY

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in KY have a median annual salary of $62,070, with 110 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $48,770 at the 10th percentile to $102,430 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$62,070

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$29.84

Employment

110

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$48,770
10th
$51,410
25th
$62,070
Median
$100,760
75th
$102,430
90th

Local compared with national

KY

$62,070

Median annual · 2025

United States

$60,600

Median annual · 2025

The KY median is 2.4% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,470).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operation and ControlImportance 3.8
  2. 2.MonitoringImportance 3.6
  3. 3.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.6
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.5
  5. 5.Active ListeningImportance 3.4
  6. 6.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4
  7. 7.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.3
  8. 8.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.1
  9. 9.CoordinationImportance 3.1
  10. 10.TroubleshootingImportance 3.1
  11. 11.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.1
  12. 12.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Positive train control PTC systems
  • Railcar inspection management software
  • RailComm DocYard
  • Railyard inventory software
  • Railyard management software RMS
  • Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System
  • Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager
  • Web browser software

Common tasks

  • Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  • Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  • 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.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in other locations

Other occupations in KY