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

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in PA have a median annual salary of $65,380, with 40 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $36,390 at the 10th percentile to $65,850 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

$65,380

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$31.43

Employment

40

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$36,390
10th
$39,350
25th
$65,380
Median
$65,420
75th
$65,850
90th

Local compared with national

PA

$65,380

Median annual · 2025

United States

$60,600

Median annual · 2025

The PA median is 7.9% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $4,780).

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 PA