Locomotive Engineer
Operate freight and passenger trains safely across the rail network.
- $81,410
- 1–2 years including conductor time
Transportation & Logistics career
Rail Yard Engineer
Also called: Yard Engineer · Hostler · Dinkey Operator · Switch Engine Operator
What rail yard engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a rail yard engineer do?
Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators and hostlers drive switching or other locomotives or dinkey engines within railroad yards, industrial plants or similar locations. The median pay is $60,600 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Months of railroad training, and employment is projected to grow +0.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$60,600$29.14/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+0.8%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainMonths of railroad trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs3,500Employment, 2025
What rail yard engineers do
Rail yard engineers move cars around yards. They operate switching locomotives, follow radio signals from conductors, couple and uncouple cuts of cars, move engines to and from service tracks, and keep yard work safe and on time.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects little change.
Typical duties
- Operate switch engines
- Follow radio signals
- Move cars
- Build trains
- Move locomotives to service
- Inspect locomotives
- Follow yard rules
Work environment and schedule
Engineers work in rail yards and industrial plants.
Schedule: Shifts include nights, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Job briefing.
- Inspect the locomotive.
- Switch cars for outbound trains.
- Shove cars into a track.
See a full day in the life of a rail yard engineer →
Rail Yard Engineer salary
Half of rail yard engineers earned more than $60,600 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,540 for the lowest 10% to $100,270 for the top 10%.
Full rail yard engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a rail yard engineer
- Finish high school
- Get hired as a conductor trainee
- Learn yard work
- Qualify as yard engineer
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a rail yard engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Locomotive operation
- Air brakes
- Radio communication
- Switching
- Operating rules
People skills
- Focus
- Safety awareness
- Teamwork
- Patience
All rail yard engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Union pay
- No degree needed
- Run locomotives
- Steady freight demand
Cons
- Shift work
- Weather
- Yard hazards
- Seniority system
Certifications and licenses
- Locomotive engineer certification: FRA, for main line.
- Remote control operator: Yard.
- Operating rules qualification: Required.
- Hazmat training: Required.
Career path
- Conductor Trainee: Entry.
- Yard Engineer: Yard.
- Road Engineer: Main line.
- Road Foreman: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Rail Yard Engineer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as make a safe shoving move and apply three-step protection, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Railroad Conductor
Lead train crews, manage paperwork and switch cars in yards and on the road.
- $78,000
- 3–6 months of railroad training
Railroad Switch Operator
Throw switches, couple cars and help crews move trains safely.
- $68,840
- Months of railroad training
Subway Operator
Drive subway, light rail and streetcar trains through cities.
- $86,380
- Transit academy plus on-the-job training
Compare: Rail Yard Engineer vs. Locomotive Engineer · Rail Yard Engineer vs. Railroad Conductor · Rail Yard Engineer vs. Railroad Switch Operator · Rail Yard Engineer vs. Subway Operator
Rail Yard Engineer FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
How do yard engineers start?
Often as conductor trainees.
Is it union?
Usually.
How much does a rail yard engineer make?
The median annual wage for rail yard engineers was $60,600 ($29.14 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,540 and the highest 10% earned more than $100,270.
How long does it take to become a rail yard engineer?
Most people need about Months of railroad training of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a rail yard engineer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More rail yard engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-4013 (Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.