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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Pennsylvania Median
$65,380
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.43
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+8% vs US median
US median $60,600
State Rank
#5 of 17
40 employed here

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

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers working in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $65,380 per year, or about $31.43 per hour. That is 8% above the national median of $60,600 for this occupation.

Within Pennsylvania, entry-level pay starts around $36,390 while the top 10% make $65,850 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,350 and $65,420 a year.

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

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$36,390$17.50
25th percentile (early career)$39,350$18.92
50th percentile (median)$65,380$31.43
75th percentile (experienced)$65,420$31.45
90th percentile (top earners)$65,850$31.66

How Pennsylvania compares

Pennsylvania ranks 5th 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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania pay ($65,380) 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 Pennsylvania?
The median Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in Pennsylvania is $65,380 per year, or about $31.43 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $36,390 at the entry level to $65,850 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Pennsylvania pay compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania pays Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers about 8% more than the national median of $60,600. Pennsylvania ranks 5th out of 17 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?
Yes on pay — Pennsylvania pays above the national median for this occupation, at $65,380 a year. About 40 Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers are employed in Pennsylvania. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Pennsylvania?
The highest-paying occupations in Pennsylvania include Cardiologist ($579,120), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ($553,740), Anesthesiologist ($461,390), 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.