Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Arkansas, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Arkansas Median
$38,980
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.74
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-36% vs US median
US median $60,600
State Rank
#17 of 17
70 employed here

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

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Arkansas take home a median of $38,980 annually — roughly $18.74 an hour — which runs 36% below the national median of $60,600.

Within Arkansas, entry-level pay starts around $37,550 while the top 10% make $72,340 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,560 and $48,800 a year.

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary range in Arkansas

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,550$18.05
25th percentile (early career)$37,560$18.06
50th percentile (median)$38,980$18.74
75th percentile (experienced)$48,800$23.46
90th percentile (top earners)$72,340$34.78

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas ranks 17th out of 17 states and territories for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1West Virginia$91,380
2Florida$80,360
3New Jersey$71,030
4California$67,160
5Pennsylvania$65,380

Working as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Arkansas

Nationally, about 4,000 people work as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Arkansas pay ($38,980) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in Arkansas?
The median Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in Arkansas is $38,980 per year, or about $18.74 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,550 at the entry level to $72,340 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Arkansas pay compare to the national average?
Arkansas pays Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers about 36% less than the national median of $60,600. Arkansas ranks 17th out of 17 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Arkansas a good state for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $38,980 a year. About 70 Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers are employed in Arkansas. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Arkansas?
The highest-paying occupations in Arkansas include Dermatologist ($422,060), Neurologist ($317,880), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($262,470), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary report

Related salaries

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

$77,320
median pay · 4,000 employed

Hoist and Winch Operators

$56,450
median pay · 3,000 employed

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

$46,420
median pay · 774,000 employed

Passenger Attendant

$37,720
median pay · 27,000 employed

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor

$58,170
median pay · 10,000 employed

Driver/Sale Workers

$38,770
median pay · 409,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.