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Rail Hostler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canadian National Railway Company

Laborer/Hostler

Memphis, TN · On-site

$37.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Job Summary The Laborer/Hostler is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the locomotive ... Vocational and technical training and/or knowledge of Rail Operating Rules Paid Training The ...

Canadian National Railway Company

Laborer/Hostler

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

Job Summary The Laborer/Hostler is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the locomotive ... Vocational and technical training and/or knowledge of Rail Operating Rules Paid Training The ...

Canadian National Railway Company

Laborer/Hostler

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

Job Summary The Laborer/Hostler is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the locomotive ... Vocational and technical training and/or knowledge of Rail Operating Rules Paid Training The ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Terminal Operator

Belleville, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pacific Rail Services is growing fast, and we want YOU to be part of our team working at the Union ... The position includes the duties of both a Hostler Driver & a Ground Person. To Get a Glimpse of ...

Rail Management Services

Diesel Mechanic

East Syracuse, NY · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be an employee of Pacific Rail Services and not an employee of the Railroad. PRIOR ... Maintain Hostler Fleet. * Assist in other areas as needed by managers. Compensation and Benefits:

Road Runner

Hostler

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Rail Management Services LLC

Rail Terminal Operator

Belleville, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pacific Rail Services is growing fast, and we want YOU to be part of our team working at the Union ... The position includes the duties of both a Hostler Driver & a Ground Person. To Get a Glimpse of ...

Roadrunner

Hostler

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Rail Management Services

Truck Mechanic

Lyndhurst, NJ · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We, at Pacific Rail Services, are looking for an experienced Diesel Mechanic for a full-time ... Maintain Hostler Fleet * Assist in other areas as needed by managers. Applicants for this position ...

Roadrunner

Hostler

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Roadrunner

Hostler

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Rail Management Services

Rail Yard Laborer

East Saint Louis, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

  • 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 ... Qualifications: (NO RAILROAD EXPERIENCE REQUIRED) * Have a valid Driver's License. * Pass a drug ...

Roadrunner

Hostler

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Rail Management Services

Diesel Mechanic

North Bergen, NJ · On-site

$45K - $55K/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be an employee of Pacific Rail Services and not an employee of the Railroad. Compensation ... Maintain Hostler Fleet * Assist in other areas as needed by managers. Benefits: ( Medical benefits ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Laborer/Hostler

Canadian National Railway Company

Memphis, TN • On-site

$37.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Canadian National Railway rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 362 rated logistics

Job description

Qualified Rate : $37.8 Per hour
Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.
CN is home to opportunities for skilled tradespeople who are interested in continually learning and building a career in a safety-focused, team environment. Working on state-of-the-art locomotives and cars that carry freight from coast-to-coast-to-coast, you'll feel proud knowing you're a part of what makes the economy work. And with paid training, you'll be able to evolve your skills. At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary
The Laborer/Hostler is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the locomotive shops. The incumbent collaborates with a large team on day-to-day tasks to ensure the success of CN's operations. The role performs outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions and ensures a safe working environment.
Major Responsibilities
  • Operate heavy equipment including dollies, high-pressure-washing machines, shovels, and wheelbarrows
  • Drive vehicles including trucks, forklifts, and cranes
  • Operate locomotives
  • Carry out a variety of general tasks, as needed

Working Conditions
  • Available to work shifts, weekends, holidays, nights and occasional overtime when necessary
  • Partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
  • Regular exposure to heat, cold, water, noise, and hazardous materials including oil, grease, battery acid and fumes
  • Protective clothing and equipment required
  • Work at heights with fall restraint
  • Physical: lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionally
  • Bend, climb, balance, stoop, squat, kneel, and perform overhead work

Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)
  • Valid driver's licence
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations, and manage stress
  • Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
  • Good verbal, reading comprehension, and writing skills
  • Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
  • Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Vocational and technical training and/or knowledge of Rail Operating Rules

Paid Training
The incumbent receives paid classroom and on-the-job training. Successful completion of the training program is mandatory in order to work as a Laborer/Hostler.
This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.
Successful Candidate Process:
  • Offer Letter
  • Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision).
  • Criminal background check

Paid Training Structure:
  • 3 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
  • 2+ weeks working at local shop (on-the-job training)
  • 3 weeks at CN Campus

About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don't see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

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