DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
53-4013 Rail Yard Engineers, Donkey Operators, and Hostlers
Occupational Description:
Drive switching or other locomotive or donkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 60 | 10 | $27.34/hr | $2.95/hr | $18.07/hr | $20.31/hr | $23.43/hr | $33.88/hr | $46.98/hr |
| U S | 5,400 | 718 | $25.91/hr | $0.57/hr | $16.28/hr | $19.24/hr | $24.26/hr | $30.32/hr | $39.20/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services | 15,680 | $18.75/hr | 2.2% |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | 8,430 | $21.15/hr | 2.1% |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | 840 | $28.91/hr | 6.9% |
| Transportation Inspectors | 510 | $38.89/hr | 2.2% |
| Sailors and Marine Oilers | 110 | $26.57/hr | 3.4% |
Tasks for Rail Yard Engineers, Donkey Operators, and Hostlers
- Drives switching locomotive within railroad yard or other establishment to switch railroad cars.
- Inspects engine at start and end of shift, and refuels and lubricates engine as needed.
- Reads daily car schedule to determine number of cars needed for next day's run.
- Inspects track for defects, and assists in installation or repair of rails and ties.
- Records number of cars available or number of cars sent to repair station and type of service needed.
- Observes oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and water level, to ensure operating efficiency.
- Operates switching diesel engine to switch railroad cars, using remote control.
- Operates and controls dinkey engine to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine site.
- Operates flatcar equipped with derrick, or railcar to transport personnel or equipment.
- Receives switching orders from yard conductor, and talks with conductor and other workers via radio- telephone, to exchange switching information.
- Drives locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouse, to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
