# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 53-4013.00
- **Summary:** Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

## Aliases

- Engineer
- Railcar Switcher
- Railroad Engineer
- Switchman
- Carman
- Hostler
- Rail Yard Engineer
- Yard Engineer
- Car Barn Laborer
- Car Mover
- Coal Tram Driver
- Coal Trammer

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.d |
| Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Apply and release hand brakes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones. | Core | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ah |
| Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Monitor traffic signals. | 4.A.1.a.2.d |
| Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Monitor vehicle movement or location. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties. | 4.A.3.a.1.n |
| Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Connect hoses to equipment or machinery. | 4.A.3.a.2.ah |
| Connect cables or electrical lines. | 4.A.3.a.2.ah |
| Position material handling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Record service or repair activities. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition. | 4.A.3.b.4.e |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Transportation | knowledge | 4.15 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 4 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 4 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.75 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.75 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.64 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.62 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.62 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.62 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.62 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.38 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.38 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.38 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.25 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.25 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.22 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.14 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.12 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.12 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.12 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Positive train control PTC systems | Expert system software | no | no |
| Railcar inspection management software | Facilities management software | no | no |
| RailComm DocYard | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Railyard inventory software | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Railyard management software RMS | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.95 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.89 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.75 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.7 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.68 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.49 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.48 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.32 |
| Contact With Others | 4.31 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.31 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.17 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 4.16 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.15 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 4.1 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.96 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 3.92 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.85 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.74 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.69 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.54 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.52 |
| Time Pressure | 3.48 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.4 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.36 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.35 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.33 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.27 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 3.14 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.07 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.96 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.95 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.88 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.87 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.81 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.78 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.66 |
| E-Mail | 2.65 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.41 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.39 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.32 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 82.54 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 13.35 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 4.11 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.78 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 6.75 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.3 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.88 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.49 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.67 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.62 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.28 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 2.07 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.02 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.89 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.76 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.76 |
| Protective Service | specific_interest_area | 1.51 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.47 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 53-4022.00 | role-53-4022-00 | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Primary-Short |
| 53-4011.00 | role-53-4011-00 | Locomotive Engineers | Primary-Short |
| 53-4031.00 | role-53-4031-00 | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Primary-Short |
| 49-3031.00 | role-49-3031-00 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | Primary-Short |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 53-7051.00 | role-53-7051-00 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-3032.00 | role-53-3032-00 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7121.00 | role-53-7121-00 | Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | Primary-Long |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5044.00 | role-47-5044-00 | Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | Primary-Long |
| 53-7021.00 | role-53-7021-00 | Crane and Tower Operators | Supplemental |
| 49-3043.00 | role-49-3043-00 | Rail Car Repairers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 58030
- **Mean Wage:** 60810
- **Pct10Wage:** 44510
- **Pct25Wage:** 51770
- **Pct75Wage:** 65530
- **Pct90Wage:** 79070
- **Employment:** 3300
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 2820 | 58030 | 17.82 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 120 | 61300 | 0.44 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 80 | 64130 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 2820 | 17.82 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 120 | 0.44 |
- **Count:** 3

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.91 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.8320907 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.3241935 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.021101 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 31
- **Percentile:** 29
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 24 | felten_aioe |
| 25 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 44 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.8320907 | 24 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.20454545454545456 | 25 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.13460737085080504 | 44 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.91
- **Percentile:** 81
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.20454545454545456
- **Beta:** 0.20454545454545456
- **Gamma:** 0.20454545454545456

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel. | 0.004827266041929427 | 4.3 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 0.3
- **Growth Percentile:** 28
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.2
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 2
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 3.1
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 3.1

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 23
- **Skills:** 32
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 8
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 08dcc5e51d20618c