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What is a yard hostler and how to become one
Yard hostlers are responsible for examining, sanitizing, and maintaining vehicles and large containers. They position such equipment in anticipation of scheduled shipments and transport materials to the weighing platform. They also maneuver vehicles and containers between areas of the facility and sanitize the latter before and after every shipment. Yard hostlers earn a median sum of $17 per hour, which amounts to $36,000 per year.
Yard hostlers help position the vehicles and containers within the yard. They conduct and oversee vehicle maintenance, unveil appropriate equipment placements, and steer vehicles and containers to identified spots. They inspect vehicles to discern potential maintenance needs and stow equipment away after their use. Part of their duties also includes maintaining orderliness, communication, and safety in the yard.
Yard hostlers typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent from an accredited university. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed an apprenticeship program as yard hostlers and, as such, possess on-the-job experience. They are expected to have the ability to perform rudimentary vehicle maintenance and top-notch coordination techniques.
Avg. Salary $38,648
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%
Asian 1.92%
Black or African American 11.23%
Hispanic or Latino 11.08%
Unknown 4.74%
White 70.55%
Genderfemale 8.17%
male 91.83%
Age - 47.5American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47.5Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Yard hostler career paths
Key steps to become a yard hostler
Explore yard hostler education requirements
Start to develop specific yard hostler skills
Skills Percentages CDL 42.14% Dock Doors 19.93% DOT 16.69% Landing Gear 3.64% Yard Truck 3.11% Complete relevant yard hostler training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New yard hostlers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a yard hostler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real yard hostler resumes.Research yard hostler duties and responsibilities
- Cut blackboard, operate skylift, forklift, bobcat, tractor.
- Load double trailers and flatbeds with rock or sand using bobcat forklift.
- Inspect, put trailer to dock for loading and unloading, pull trailer to lots for driver pickup
- Rake leaves, cut, and water grass and pick up garbage to maintain grounds and yards.
Prepare your yard hostler resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your yard hostler resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a yard hostler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable yard hostler resume templates
Build a professional yard hostler resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your yard hostler resume.
Apply for yard hostler jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a yard hostler job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first yard hostler job
Are you a yard hostler?
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Average yard hostler salary
The average yard hostler salary in the United States is $38,648 per year or $19 per hour. Yard hostler salaries range between $29,000 and $51,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do yard hostlers rate their job?
Yard hostler reviews
hourly pay and steady employment
haven't found training for this field or any suggestions as to where there is any training schools for such in CA.
My job is simple. I like to work alone, I'm self motivating. I have more than 12 years doing this job, that was in Aviation. All the Air craft were larger than an 18 wheeler, I also have a CDL- Class A. The weather dosen't bother me. Overtime dosen't bother me. I prefer to work nights,but I'm open to work any shift.
Micro management, and people who have no business trying to run things they know nothing about.
Updated January 8, 2025
