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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$62,070
Median Annual Salary
▲ +23.9% vs 2024
$71,390
Mean Salary
$62,070
Median Salary
$29.84
Hourly Rate
110 people work as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $48,770$48,77025th25% earn less than $51,410$51,410MedianHalf earn more than $62,070$62,07075th75% earn less than $100,760$100,76090thTop 10% earn more than $102,430$102,430

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $62,070 per year ($5,172/month). This is 2.1% above the national average of $60,820. Kentucky ranks #7 out of 17 states for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay. Approximately 110 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 23.9% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky

Salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky range from $48,770 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $102,430 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $51,410 and $100,760.

Median $62,070
P10: $48,770 P25: $51,410 P75: $100,760 P90: $102,430
10th
$48,770
25th
$51,410
Median
$62,070
75th
$100,760
90th
$102,430
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $48,770 $23.45 $4,064
25th Percentile $51,410 $24.72 $4,284
Median (50th) $62,070 $29.84 $5,172
75th Percentile $100,760 $48.44 $8,396
90th Percentile (Experienced) $102,430 $49.25 $8,535

Note: The mean (average) salary of $71,390 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#7
Kentucky ranks #7 of 17 states
$60,820
National avg. for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
+2.1%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Data in Kentucky

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary by State

Compare Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky is $62,070 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $71,390.
What is the salary range for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky?
Salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky range from $48,770 at the 10th percentile to $102,430 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $51,410 and $100,760.
What is the starting salary for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky?
Entry-level Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers positions in Kentucky typically start around $48,770 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $51,410 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 110 people are employed as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Kentucky is approximately $29.84 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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