How Much Do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California earns $67,160 per year and takes home $53,917 ($4,493/month) — a keep-rate of 80.3%, with 190 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $5,596.67 |
| Federal income tax | $495.42 |
| Social Security | $346.99 |
| Medicare | $81.15 |
| California state income tax | $180.05 |
| You keep | $4,493.04 |
How much do Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers make in California?
The median Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers in California earns $67,160 per year (BLS May 2025), about $32.29 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$67,160 gross in California keeps $53,917 after federal income tax ($5,945), FICA ($5,138) and state income tax ($2,161) — $4,493 per month, a 80.3% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?
The California median is $6,560 above the national median of $60,600.
Which state pays Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers the most?
West Virginia has the highest median gross for Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers at $91,380 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage