Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
This is a specialization of
Rail Transportation WorkersCareer Overview Video
AI Impact Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 3/6: low AI task exposure, limited human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential
How we calculated this:
20% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
0% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 11/25
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Education & Training
Typical Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Time to Job Ready
0-1 years
Based on Job Zone 2. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.
Technology Skills
Key Abilities
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Find jobs and training programs for rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers- Median salary: $57K/year
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Compensation Details
Based on 2,430 employed workers
Also Known As
Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
O*NET Code: 53-4013.00