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Rail Hostler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Management Services

Rail Terminal Operator

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • 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 Terminal Driver

Fenton, MO · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Rail Management Services LLC

Rail Terminal Operator

Wildwood, MO · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Roadrunner

Hostler

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

  • 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 LLC

Rail Terminal Driver

Fenton, MO · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Terminal Operator

Spokane, WA · On-site

$40K - $50K/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rail Terminal Services is hiring right now for a Hostler Driver / Groundperson position working with us at the BNSF Spokane, WA Rail Terminal--and we're excited to bring YOU on board! No experience?

Roadrunner Freight

Hostler

Eastvale, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 Terminal Diesel Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pacific Rail Services is hiring immediately for a Rail Terminal Diesel Mechanic to join our ever ... Diagnose and repair lift equipment, repair forklifts, company vehicles, and hostler fleet. * Be ...

Rail Management Services LLC

Rail Terminal Operator

Spokane, WA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rail Terminal Services is hiring right now for a Hostler Driver / Groundperson position working with us at the BNSF Spokane, WA Rail Terminal-and we're excited to bring YOU on board! No experience?

Rail Management Services

Railroad Diesel Mechanic

East Orange, NJ · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rail terminal in a recession-proof industry! Compensation: * Hourly pay with yearly income ... Maintain Hostler Fleet * Assist in other areas as needed by managers. Benefits: ( Medical benefits ...

Rail Management Services

Railroad Truck Mechanic

Glen Rock, NJ · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rail terminal in a recession-proof industry! Compensation: * Hourly pay with yearly income ... Maintain Hostler Fleet * Assist in other areas as needed by managers. Benefits: ( Medical benefits ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Jockey Driver

Hershey, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $22.44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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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 14, 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.

Truck Mechanic - Railroad

Rail Management Services

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Pacific Rail Services is hiring immediately for a Rail Terminal Truck Mechanic (Diesel) to join our ever-growing team in a recession-proof industry working at the Union Pacific Oakland, CA Rail Terminal!  Previous mechanical experience is required.

Shift:
  • Monday through Friday. 
  • Day Shift.
  • ON call as needed (After hour and/or rest day call-outs possible).

Pay: $28 - $30 per hour depending on your prior experience.

Candidates:
  • Should have a minimum of 2 years of experience in the mechanical field and be preventative maintenance minded.
  • Must have own tools (Yearly tool allowance provided).
  • Must have experience and knowledge working with Air, Electrical, Hydraulic, and Diesel systems and components.
  • Will need a valid driver's license.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Diagnose and repair hostler fleet, forklifts, and company vehicles.
  • Maintain Hostler Fleet.
  • Welding, fabricating.
  • Working on Electrical components.
  • Routine maintenance.
  • Assist in other areas as needed by managers.

Benefits: (Medical benefits start after 60 days and the first of the month after that. Other benefits start after your 90-day probationary period).
  • Union Excellent Healthcare, Free Dental, and cheap Vision Benefits.
  • Free Life Insurance.
  • Paid holidays, paid personal days.
  • Boot reimbursement.
  • 401K.
  • Vacation Pay.
  • Weekly Pay.
  • Travel Opportunities.
  • Tool Allowances.
  • Boot and Tool Allowance.
  • Union Shop.

Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 with verifiable mechanical experience.
  • Candidates must undergo a background check.
  • Must be able to pass a physical strength test.
  • Drug screening ( as we operate heavy machinery, Marijuana is strictly prohibited).
  • Required to join local union.

Please respond to this advertisement with your resume, or apply in person at:
Pacific Rail Services
1408 Middle Harbor Road
Oakland, CA  9460
You'll be employed by Pacific Rail Services and will not be an employee of the Railroad. 
This job would be suitable for mechanics with knowledge of railroads, Hostler trucks, overhead cranes (Mi-Jack or Kalmar), electrical, and hydraulic equipment, and those certified in diesel engine repair.