Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $65,120 +12.2% vs national
Median hourly $31.31
10th percentile $45,420
90th percentile $65,120
Employed locally 50
National median $58,030

Compare Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary & buying power

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Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $45,420
    25th
    $45,420
    50th (median)
    $65,120
    75th
    $65,120
    90th
    $65,120

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary vs area income 73% Median Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary is 27% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area $89,150
    New York $73,840
    North Dakota $73,620
    West Virginia $70,480
    West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area $68,660
    California $65,500

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$40,030
    Stockers and Order Fillers$37,940
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$62,430
    Light Truck Drivers$47,270
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$46,760
    Packers and Packagers, Hand$36,680

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Chicago, IL-IN is $31.31, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $31.31 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salaries?

    The median Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 12.2% above the national median of $58,030. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers (10th percentile) earn around $45,420 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,420.