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Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$67,160
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.5% vs 2024
$66,450
Mean Salary
$67,160
Median Salary
$32.29
Hourly Rate
190 people work as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California earn a median salary of $67,160 per year ($5,596/month).
This is 10.4% above the national average of $60,820.
California ranks #4 out of 17 states for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay.
Approximately 190 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: 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.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
3.75
Monitoring
3.62
Operations Monitoring
3.62
Speaking
3.5
Active Listening
3.38
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.15
Public Safety and Security
3.64
Administration and Management
3.22
Mechanical
3.14
English Language
3.1
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(82.5% of workers)
Salary Range: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California
Salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California range from $66,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $67,160 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $67,130 and $67,160.
Median $67,160
P10: $66,990P25: $67,130P75: $67,160P90: $67,160
10th
$66,990
25th
$67,130
Median
$67,160
75th
$67,160
90th
$67,160
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$66,990
$32.21
$5,582
25th Percentile
$67,130
$32.27
$5,594
Median (50th)
$67,160
$32.29
$5,596
75th Percentile
$67,160
$32.29
$5,596
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$67,160
$32.29
$5,596
Note: The mean (average) salary of $66,450 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#4
California ranks #4 of 17 states
$60,820
National avg. for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in California?
The median annual salary for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California is $67,160 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $66,450.
What is the salary range for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California?
Salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California range from $66,990 at the 10th percentile to $67,160 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $67,130 and $67,160.
What is the starting salary for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California?
Entry-level Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers positions in California typically start around $66,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $67,130 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 190 people are employed as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California is approximately $32.29 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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