How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in Tennessee?
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Tennessee take home a median of $54,060 annually — roughly $25.99 an hour — which runs 11% below the national median of $60,600.
Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $44,330 while the top 10% make $79,690 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,340 and $78,950 a year.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary range in Tennessee
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,330 | $21.31 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $51,340 | $24.68 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $54,060 | $25.99 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $78,950 | $37.96 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,690 | $38.31 |
How Tennessee compares
Tennessee ranks 13th out of 17 states and territories for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | $91,380 |
| 2 | Florida | $80,360 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $71,030 |
| 4 | California | $67,160 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | $65,380 |
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in other states
Working as Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Tennessee
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 Tennessee pay ($54,060) 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
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← See the national Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary report