Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
SOC Code: 53-4013 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $61,755 | $69,680 | $77,584 | $85,509 |
| Morgantown, WV | $61,402 | $69,410 | $77,397 | $85,405 |
| Ithaca, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
| Binghamton, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
| Elmira, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
| Kingston, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $73,757 | $77,418 | $81,058 | $84,718 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 3.8 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Speaking | 3.5 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 | |
| Active Listening | 3.4 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.2 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 | |
| Coordination | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Transportation | 4.2 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.6 |
| Administration and Management | 3.2 |
| Mechanical | 3.1 |
| English Language | 3.1 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.0 |
| Education and Training | 3.0 |
| Administrative | 3.0 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 82.5% |
| Some college | 13.3% |
| Less than high school | 4.1% |
Typical Tasks
- Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
- Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
- Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- Apply and release hand brakes.
- Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
- Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Positive train control PTC systems RailComm DocYard Railcar inspection management software Railyard inventory software Railyard management software RMS Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager Web browser software
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