Occupations/53-4013.00
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Usually a high school diploma, plus some experience or short training.
AI automation risk
41%
Mixed exposure
Human characteristics
60%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
52%
Mixed exposure
A day in this job
- Mostly human
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Mostly routine
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- Mostly routine
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
Split from the wording of these tasks, shown next to the occupation’s AI risk. It is not a separate score for each task, and it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
- 02Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- 03Apply and release hand brakes.
- 04Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- 05Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- 06Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.27
- Degree of automation1.88
- Time sitting3.74
- Originality (ability)2.00
- Conflict situations3.07
- Hands-on objects/tools4.32
- Outdoors / weather4.68
- Disease exposure1.00
- Decision freedom3.96
Top abilities
- Problem Sensitivity4.00
- Oral Comprehension4.00
- Far Vision3.88
- Reaction Time3.75
- Control Precision3.75
- Visual Color Discrimination3.62
- Response Orientation3.62
- Oral Expression3.62
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.12
- Active Listening3.38
- Writing2.88
- Speaking3.50
- Mathematics2.38
- Science1.50
- Critical Thinking3.25
- Active Learning3.00
- Learning Strategies2.75
- Monitoring3.62
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
2 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Century College White Bear Lake, MN · Public | Railroad and Railway Transportation 49.0208 | $6,000 | 100% | 31% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 49.02 |
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN · Public | Railroad and Railway Transportation 49.0208 | $5,800 | 100% | 33% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 49.02 |