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Rail Hostler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hampton Roads Transit

Rail Hostler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.67/hr

Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building ... Hostler duties. * Must meet ongoing educational, training and DOT requirements and maintain On ...

Gohrt

Rail Hostler

Norfolk, VA

$23.67/hr

Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building ... Hostler duties. * Must meet ongoing educational, training and DOT requirements and maintain On ...

Universal Logistics Holdings

Wylie Railyard Hostler

Wylie, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hostler Driver - Ground Person Summary: Once all training has been completed for the Ground Person ... In addition, this position will drive trailers and chassis with containers around the rail yard ...

RMS - San Antonio, TX

Hostler Driver

Von Ormy, TX

$18/hr

Advanced knowledge of railroad industry from a vocational education institute, apprenticeship, on the job training and/or similar work experience. * Ability to listen, learn, take direction, make ...

Roadrunner Freight

Hostler

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hostler The Hostler role sits at the core of our Operations function, ensuring the continuous, safe ... With driver teams executing over-the-road (OTR) moves--and no freight moving on rail--customers ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Yard Truck Mechanic

Oakland, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pacific Rail Services is hiring immediately for a Rail Yard Truck Mechanic (Diesel) to join our ... Diagnose and repair hostler fleet, forklifts, and company vehicles. * Maintain Hostler Fleet.

Roadrunner

Hostler

Bolingbrook, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hostler role sits at the core of our Operations function, ensuring the continuous, safe, and ... With driver teams executing over-the-road (OTR) moves - and no freight moving on rail - customers ...

Roadrunner

Hostler

Bolingbrook, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hostler role sits at the core of our Operations function, ensuring the continuous, safe, and ... With driver teams executing over-the-road (OTR) moves - and no freight moving on rail - customers ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Yard Diesel Mechanic

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pacific Rail Services is seeking applicants for the Rail Yard Truck Mechanic position to join our ... Diagnose and repair hostler fleet, forklifts, and company vehicles. * Maintain Hostler Fleet.

Rail Management Services

Rail Terminal Truck Mechanic

Haslet, TX · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking applicants for the Rail Terminal Truck Mechanic position to join our ever-growing ... Diagnose and repair hostler fleet, forklifts, and company vehicles. * Maintain Hostler Fleet.

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Rail Hostler information

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$11

$22

$28

How much do rail hostler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail hostler in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rail Hostler vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectRail HostlerLocomotive Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; locomotive engineer certification/license
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching areas, maintenance facilitiesOn locomotives, train routes, rail yards
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight companies, transit agenciesRailroads, freight and passenger train operators

Rail Hostlers primarily move and position railcars within yards, focusing on switching and yard operations. Locomotive Engineers operate trains over routes, handling the driving and safety of passenger or freight trains. While both roles require knowledge of rail operations, the Rail Hostler's work is more yard-focused, whereas the Locomotive Engineer's role involves operating trains over longer distances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail hostler?

To thrive as a Rail Hostler, you need knowledge of rail yard operations, locomotive handling, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with railroad safety procedures, radio communication systems, and sometimes a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is important. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with train crews and ensuring operational safety. These skills help prevent accidents, maintain efficient yard operations, and support the safe movement of rail equipment.

What is a rail hostler?

Rail Hostlers are specialized railroad workers responsible for moving locomotives within rail yards, service facilities, or depots. Their main duties include driving locomotives short distances for fueling, servicing, cleaning, or storage, but not for mainline transportation. Rail Hostlers ensure that locomotives are positioned correctly for maintenance or coupling and uncoupling to train cars. They must follow strict safety protocols and often collaborate with other yard personnel to keep operations running smoothly.

What are some common challenges faced by rail hostlers when moving locomotives within rail yards?

Rail Hostlers often encounter challenges such as maneuvering large locomotives in confined yard spaces, coordinating with other yard personnel to ensure safe and efficient movements, and adapting to varying weather conditions that can affect visibility and track conditions. Effective communication, attention to safety protocols, and quick problem-solving are essential to manage these challenges. Additionally, Rail Hostlers must remain vigilant to avoid equipment damage and ensure smooth operations during shift changes or busy periods.
More about Rail Hostler jobs

What job categories do people searching Rail Hostler jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Hostler jobs are:

Rail Hostler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Hostler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,688 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Rail Hostler

Hampton Roads Transit

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$23.67/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Hampton Roads Transit rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 98 rated public transport

Job description

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.
Hourly Wage: $23.67
Essential Job Functions:
(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)
  • Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building. Operates a variety of non-revenue equipment in varying operating situations as required.
  • Performs light maintenance and inspection on revenue and non-revenue vehicles as assigned.
  • Responsible for configuring yard arrangement and vehicle configuration for timely service pull-out. Reports vehicle locations to OCC on a regular basis. Uses various forms of data and paper or electronic forms in the performance of this function.
  • Responsible for the replenishment of vehicle consumables including but not limited to traction sand, windshield washer fluid, lubricants, and the like. Records usage on a vehicle basis.
  • Adheres to the highest quality and safety standards while meeting original equipment manufacturer's requirement in the performance of all job responsibilities.
  • Performs light and heavy vehicle cleaning using a variety of cleaning equipment.
  • Performs shop and non-revenue vehicle cleaning as assigned.
  • Performs pre-operational inspections on shop non-revenue vehicles as assigned.
  • Develops and delivers job related training to Hampton Roads Transit employees, in the safe and efficient performance of Hostler duties.
  • Must meet ongoing educational, training and DOT requirements and maintain On Track Equipment Certification to be retained in the position.
  • Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Functions:
  • Written and verbal communication. Must be able interpret and carry out verbal and written assignments.
  • Problem analysis and resolution skills.
  • Ability to perform light maintenance repair.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple responsibilities/priorities simultaneously.
  • Must meet established Hampton Roads Transit goals and work standards.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions:
Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Basic problem-solving skills associated with software applications used is expected. Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated.
Software applications:
Microsoft Windows and Office products, HRT's Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for maintenance, and HRT's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for finance.
Safety Responsibility:
Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures and policies. Take an active part in reporting unsafe conditions and any hazards within the workplace to their Supervisor, Manager and/or the Safety Department.
Qualifications:
Training and/or Education:
High School Diploma or GED
Required Experience:
Five (5) years of progressively responsible employment history.
License:
Must have CDL Class B license and/or CDL permit and the ability to acquire within sixty (60) days of employment a valid Virginia CDL Class B license with air brake and passenger endorsements.
Special Requirements:
  • Ability to pass Rail Operations Rule Book examination, physical agility examinations, and successfully complete Equipment Training/Certification Programs and rail vehicle equipment training. Must complete training and demonstrate proficiency in light rail vehicle operation.
  • Must successfully complete all job-related training and educational programs to retain employment in the position.
  • Ability to pass DOT physical examination.
  • This position is classified as essential personnel.

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor, frequently lifting 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds with the assistance of applicable equipment or other employees.
  • Must be able to work from heights with the assistance of proper safety equipment
  • Ability to work in all outdoor weather conditions.
  • Exposure to dirt, grease, sand, oil, and various chemicals.
  • Ability to meet hearing requirements of 0-20db

Unusual Demands:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties will require working shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Non-Exempt
HRT is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the HRT employment application and/or the interview, contact HRT Human Resources at (757) 222-6000 or email careers@hrtransit.org.

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