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Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in New Jersey

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$71,030
Median Annual Salary
▲ +19.5% vs 2024
$74,840
Mean Salary
$71,030
Median Salary
$34.15
Hourly Rate
130 people work as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey

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

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

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in New Jersey — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey.10thBottom 10% earn less than $51,350$51,35025th25% earn less than $53,890$53,890MedianHalf earn more than $71,030$71,03075th75% earn less than $102,220$102,22090thTop 10% earn more than $102,220$102,220

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey earn a median salary of $71,030 per year ($5,919/month). This is 16.8% above the national average of $60,820. New Jersey ranks #3 out of 17 states for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay. Approximately 130 people work in this occupation across New Jersey. Salaries increased by 19.5% 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)

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

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

Salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey range from $51,350 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $102,220 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $53,890 and $102,220.

Median $71,030
P10: $51,350 P25: $53,890 P75: $102,220 P90: $102,220
10th
$51,350
25th
$53,890
Median
$71,030
75th
$102,220
90th
$102,220
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $51,350 $24.69 $4,279
25th Percentile $53,890 $25.91 $4,490
Median (50th) $71,030 $34.15 $5,919
75th Percentile $102,220 $49.14 $8,518
90th Percentile (Experienced) $102,220 $49.14 $8,518

Note: The mean (average) salary of $74,840 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
New Jersey ranks #3 of 17 states
$60,820
National avg. for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
+16.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Data in New Jersey

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 New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey is $71,030 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $74,840.
What is the salary range for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey?
Salaries for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey range from $51,350 at the 10th percentile to $102,220 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $53,890 and $102,220.
What is the starting salary for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey?
Entry-level Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers positions in New Jersey typically start around $51,350 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $53,890 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 130 people are employed as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey.
What is the hourly rate for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey is approximately $34.15 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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