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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New Jersey Median
$71,030
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.15
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+17% vs US median
US median $60,600
State Rank
#3 of 17
130 employed here

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

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in New Jersey take home a median of $71,030 annually — roughly $34.15 an hour — which runs 17% above the national median of $60,600.

Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $51,350 while the top 10% make $102,220 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $53,890 and $102,220 a year.

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

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$51,350$24.69
25th percentile (early career)$53,890$25.91
50th percentile (median)$71,030$34.15
75th percentile (experienced)$102,220$49.14
90th percentile (top earners)$102,220$49.14

How New Jersey compares

New Jersey ranks 3rd 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 New Jersey

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 New Jersey pay ($71,030) 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 New Jersey?
The median Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in New Jersey is $71,030 per year, or about $34.15 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $51,350 at the entry level to $102,220 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers about 17% more than the national median of $60,600. New Jersey ranks 3rd out of 17 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?
Yes on pay — New Jersey pays above the national median for this occupation, at $71,030 a year. About 130 Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers are employed in New Jersey. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

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

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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.