Yard switch operator vs skates operator

The differences between yard switch operators and skates operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a yard switch operator has an average salary of $37,724, which is higher than the $36,880 average annual salary of a skates operator.

Yard switch operator vs skates operator overview

	Yard Switch Operator	Skates Operator
Yearly salary	$37,724	$36,880
Hourly rate	$18.14	$17.73
Growth rate	-2%	-2%
Number of jobs	29,408	29,928
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 100%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	-	-

Yard switch operator vs skates operator salary

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Skates Operator
Average salary	$37,724	$36,880
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $57,000	Between $24,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City	North Bergen, NJ	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Meritor	-
Best paying industry	Hospitality	-

Differences between yard switch operator and skates operator education

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Skates Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 100%
Most common major	Business	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Yard switch operator vs skates operator demographics

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Skates Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4%
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, 17.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	21%	21%

Differences between yard switch operator and skates 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.

Skates operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.

Yard switch operator vs skates 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 skates operator skills

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Transportation Industry
Yard Switch Operator
Yard Switch Operator vs Skates Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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