Switch operator vs yard switch operator

The differences between switch operators and yard switch operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a switch operator has an average salary of $47,066, which is higher than the $37,724 average annual salary of a yard switch operator.

The top three skills for a switch operator include switches, encryption and telecommunication. The most important skills for a yard switch operator are DOT, pre-trip, and pallets.

Switch operator vs yard switch operator overview

	Switch Operator	Yard Switch Operator
Yearly salary	$47,066	$37,724
Hourly rate	$22.63	$18.14
Growth rate	-2%	-2%
Number of jobs	25,666	29,408
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	-	-

Switch operator vs yard switch operator salary

Switch operators and yard switch operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Switch Operator	Yard Switch Operator
Average salary	$47,066	$37,724
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $87,000	Between $24,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City	-	North Bergen, NJ
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Meritor
Best paying industry	-	Hospitality

Differences between switch operator and yard switch operator education

There are a few differences between a switch operator and a yard switch operator in terms of educational background:

	Switch Operator	Yard Switch Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Switch operator vs yard switch operator demographics

Here are the differences between switch operators' and yard switch operators' demographics:

	Switch Operator	Yard Switch Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0%	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.7% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%	Black or African American, 16.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.8% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage	21%	21%

Differences between switch operator and yard switch operator duties and responsibilities

Switch operator example responsibilities.

Supervise a team of ten soldiers in the day-to-day operations of a commercial SL-100 Nortel telephone switch.
Provide gateway for both LAN and X.25 subscribers.
Insure technicians obtain proper training through NORTEL training courses.
Interpret computer printouts to troubleshoot, repair, and replace faulty line replaceable units.
Set up data networks/wires in buildings to have computers and VOIP phones link together.
Perform monthly evaluations and provide network training and orientation to new soldiers and DOD contractors.

Yard switch operator example responsibilities.

Attend core computer and network systems training before receiving additional instruction in DOD information systems and defense messaging systems.
Maintain communication network equipment and switches, operate and install communication equipment, and operate diagnostic equipment specific to network switches.
Help OTR drivers when they can't get to a trailer.

Switch operator vs yard switch operator skills

Common switch operator skills

Switches, 15%
Encryption, 15%
Telecommunication, 14%
Hand Tools, 13%
Rail Cars, 9%
Secret Security Clearance, 5%

Common yard switch operator skills

DOT, 63%
Pre-trip, 15%
Pallets, 9%
Safety Rules, 4%
Unload Trailers, 3%
Roll-Off Procedures, 2%

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Transportation Industry
Switch Operator
Switch Operator vs Yard Switch Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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