Also called: Hostler, Yard Engineer
Moves locomotives around rail yards and engine shops, getting them fueled, serviced, and ready.
Hostlers drive locomotives between the fuel pad, sand tower, and repair shop, couple engines together for departing trains, and keep the yard moving.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Railroad training; many start as conductors or laborers.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-4013: Slower than average (1% to 2%).
Medium risk for 10 years. Remote control and automated service yards reduce moves; some hostler jobs remain.
Classes: Physics, Auto tech CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-4013.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.