ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rail Hostler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Management Services

Rail Terminal Driver

Fenton, MO · On-site

$20/hr

The job is a combination of a Hostler Driver and Ground Person as they are 1 and the same job. What ... rail yard. * Engage in various ground duties, including climbing on and off railcars, securing ...

Road Runner

Hostler

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

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 · On-site

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 · On-site

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 Freight

Hostler

Eastvale, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

DOT Hostler The DOT Hostler is a critical operator within our yard and dock ecosystem, ensuring the ... With driver teams executing over-the-road (OTR) moves -- and no freight moving on rail -- customers ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Jockey Driver

Hershey, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $22.44/hr

No CDL or prior hostler driving experience required. Full training provided. Note: This posting is ... No railroad experience needed. * Must be 18+ with a valid driver's license. * Pass a 7-year ...

Road Runner

Hostler

Eastvale, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

DOT Hostler The DOT Hostler is a critical operator within our yard and dock ecosystem, ensuring the ... With driver teams executing over-the-road (OTR) moves -- and no freight moving on rail -- customers ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsRail Hostler Jobs

Rail Hostler information

See salary details

$11

$22

$28

How much do rail hostler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 Terminal Operator

Rail Management Services

Chesterfield, MO • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are hiring immediately for this position working at the BNSF St Louis Rail Terminal in a recession-proof industry! This is an entry-level position with on-the-job training. We'll teach you everything you need to know in order to be successful on the job. No Experience is required. The job is a combination of a Hostler Driver and Ground Person as they are 1 and the same job.

What You'll Do:
  • This role combines the responsibilities of a Hostler Driver and Ground Person. You will learn to operate a jockey truck, maneuvering 53ft trailers, containers, and chassis around the rail yard.
  • Engage in various ground duties, including climbing on and off railcars, securing tracks, and handling inner box connectors (IBCs).
  • Assist crane operators/Side Loaders with equipment loading and unloading using hand signals.
  • Play a key role in stacking and unstacking chassis, as well as loading and unloading chassis racks.
  • Fulfill other assigned duties in a dynamic and team-oriented work environment.
  • Watch Our Job Preview Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uriQMlaUUsI

Starting Rate: $20.00/hr with no experience (Possibility to start at a higher rate if you have previous Jockey Experience) 

Shifts:
  • First shift 0600-1800 ( 12 hours)
  • 2nd shift 1800-0400(10 hours)

Benefits: (Medical Starts after 60 days and the first of the month after that. Other benefits start after your probationary period)
  • Affordable Healthcare and Vision Benefits, Free Dental
  • Free Life Insurance
  • 6 paid holidays as well as Sick Time and Vacation Pay
  • 401K available
  • Yearly Raises
  • Advancement Opportunities to become a lift operator, foreman, supervisor, and even management.

Qualifications: (NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED)
  • Have a valid Driver's License.
  • Pass a drug test & a Physical Capabilities Test
  • No GED or diploma required
  • Strong communication skills required
  • There are other requirements not listed that will be discussed during the interview process.

APPLICANTS MUST currently live within a 45-minute commute of St Louis. OUT OF AREA candidates and/or those requiring relocation will NOT be considered.

This job would be suitable for persons looking for jobs in a warehouse, as a delivery driver, a forklift driver, working outdoors, a laborer, doing landscaping, and working in a railyard.
You will be employed directly by Pacific Rail Services and will not be considered an employee of the Railroad.