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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.
Other titles employers use
Carman · Engineer · Hostler · Rail Yard Engineer · Railcar Switcher · Railroad Engineer · Switchman · Yard Engineer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
Subjects to know
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Far Vision
- Control Precision
- Reaction Time
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.9 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.3 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.3 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 87%
- A certificate or some college 13%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Industrial control software
- Inventory management software
- Expert system software
- Facilities management software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Internet browser software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 430
- Job openings each year
- 40
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 13.2%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 430 | 40 | 13.2% |
| Georgia | 310 | 30 | 34.8% |
| Indiana | 180 | 20 | — |
| Washington | 170 | 10 | −5.6% |
| New Jersey | 110 | 10 | 37.5% |
| Kansas | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Nebraska | 80 | 10 | — |
| Pennsylvania | 70 | 10 | — |
| West Virginia | 70 | 10 | — |
| Idaho | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Ohio | 50 | 0 | — |
| Utah | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Alabama | 40 | 0 | — |
| Wisconsin | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Florida | 30 | 0 | — |
| North Carolina | 30 | 0 | 50.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.