What does a switcher do?
Switcher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real switcher resumes:
- Install locks on ATM as on the work order, certify to install over several different locks.
- Transfer to work in extrusion area
- Configure and install switches and hubs.
- Attend various training in basic first aid, CPR, HazMat and MSHA regulations.
- Record and document the work progress in ESD system, report in problems that may occur with line lead.
- Confirm validity of contents through various BOL and shipping paper checks as well as physical confirmation.
Switcher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 64% of Switchers are proficient in CDL, DOT, and Dock Doors. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Customer-service skills, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Switchers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 64%
Have CDL class B license with passenger and airbrake endorsements.
- DOT, 19%
Transported produced water from well sites to disposal facilities, while following safety protocols, adherent to customer and DOT standards.
- Dock Doors, 6%
Performed trailer switches to and from dock doors, responsible for yard, trailer, and switcher vehicle maintenance.
- Switches, 3%
Operate track switches as needed Work outdoors in all weather conditions, and walk extended distances over uneven terrain.
- Yard Checks, 3%
Perform yard checks as needed.
- Facer, 2%
Can use scan weigh and Key (SWAK), Quality Assurance (QA), Facer, Switcher.
Most switchers use their skills in "cdl," "dot," and "dock doors" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential switcher responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a switcher to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "railroad workers must be able to communicate with other crewmembers, dispatchers, and passengers to ensure safety and keep the trains on schedule." Switchers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "perform great customer service.skills usedgreat customer service skills, great communication skills, great knowledge of maneuvering the bus"
Customer-service skills. Another essential skill to perform switcher duties is customer-service skills. Switchers responsibilities require that "conductors on passenger trains ensure travelers’ comfort, make announcements, and answer questions." Switchers also use customer-service skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "go pick up loads or drop trailers to various customers throughout western michigan. "
Physical strength. This is an important skill for switchers to perform their duties. For an example of how switcher responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "rail yard engineers may have to lift heavy equipment." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a switcher: "measure physical inventory of bulk feed ingredients & packaging materials including bags, supplies, and tags. ".
The three companies that hire the most switchers are:
- Chewy44 switchers jobs
- Ingles Markets2 switchers jobs
- Old Dominion Freight Line2 switchers jobs
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Compare different switchers
Switcher vs. Production employee
In a manufacturing setting, a production employee is in charge of assembling and processing products, ensuring efficiency and timelines. Their responsibilities include adhering to guidelines and blueprints, monitoring the products for any defects or inconsistencies, operating machines and equipment, keeping an eye on the assembly line, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas. Furthermore, as a production employee, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating every step of the way, and alerting managers should there be any problems.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between switchers and production employee. For instance, switcher responsibilities require skills such as "shipping receiving," "cdl," "dot," and "dock doors." Whereas a production employee is skilled in "production floor," "quality standards," "safety standards," and "work ethic." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Production employees tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $35,336. In contrast, switchers make the biggest average salary, $38,583, in the transportation industry.production employees tend to reach similar levels of education than switchers. In fact, production employees are 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Switcher vs. Production line operator
Production line operators must have strong reading skills and a knowledge base for loading and unloading, quality control, and starting and stopping of production lines. Those who choose this career will be expected to assist in assembling and manufacturing machines, foodstuffs, and products. Production line operators most often work in a factory setting for a manufacturer.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that switcher responsibilities requires skills like "shipping receiving," "cdl," "dot," and "dock doors." But a production line operator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "basic math," "math," "quality standards," and "safety guidelines."
Production line operators may earn a lower salary than switchers, but production line operators earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $38,400. On the other hand, switchers receive higher pay in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $38,583.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Production line operators tend to reach similar levels of education than switchers. In fact, they're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Switcher vs. Production operator
A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a switcher is likely to be skilled in "shipping receiving," "cdl," "dot," and "dock doors," while a typical production operator is skilled in "basic math," "math," "quality checks," and "quality standards."
Production operators make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $37,865. On the other hand, switchers are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $38,583.Most production operators achieve a similar degree level compared to switchers. For example, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Switcher vs. Mill work
Types of switcher
Updated January 8, 2025
