Yard switch operator vs operator

The differences between yard switch operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, which is higher than the $37,724 average annual salary of a yard switch operator.

The top three skills for a yard switch operator include DOT, pre-trip and pallets. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.

Yard switch operator vs operator overview

	Yard Switch Operator	Operator
Yearly salary	$37,724	$37,928
Hourly rate	$18.14	$18.23
Growth rate	-2%	7%
Number of jobs	29,408	159,077
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	47	43
Years of experience	-	4

Yard switch operator vs operator salary

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Operator
Average salary	$37,724	$37,928
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $57,000	Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	North Bergen, NJ	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	North Dakota
Best paying company	Meritor	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Technology

Differences between yard switch operator and operator education

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

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

Yard switch operator vs operator demographics

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Operator
Average age	47	43
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	21%	4%

Differences between yard switch operator and operator duties and responsibilities

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.

Operator example responsibilities.

Assist in developing the company s short and long term training plans and managing yearly ammunition allocation.
Assist and manage the extrusion process of polyester raw material in pellet or chip form to produce finish rolls of plastic.
Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Job require basic math skills: fractions and decimals.
Ensure safety of all equipment during production in compliance with strict OSHA and safety regulations.

Yard switch operator vs operator skills

Common yard switch operator skills

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

Common operator skills

Safety Procedures, 15%
CDL, 6%
Emergency Calls, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Quality Checks, 4%
Dozer, 4%

Updated January 8, 2025

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