Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

SOC 53-4013

Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

Five-year wage trends

Median wage levels across states

Focus level

Level III median wage up 21.6% since 2020-21.

2026 weighted lottery impact

Thresholds for Level III & IV

Level III threshold: $56,202

Level IV threshold: $62,358

Most common level in filings: Level II

Latest Level III median

2025-26

$56,202

Level I$46,114

Level II$50,752

Level III$56,202

Level IV$62,358

Top metros by Level III wages

Latest year median for this occupation

Rank	Metro Area	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
1	Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
2	Binghamton, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
3	Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
4	Elmira, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
5	Glens Falls, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
6	Ithaca, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
7	Kingston, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
8	Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
9	Rochester, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718
10	Syracuse, NY, NY	$73,757	$77,418	$81,058	$84,718

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