Yard switch operator vs train brake operator

The differences between yard switch operators and train brake operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a train brake operator has an average salary of $42,893, which is higher than the $37,724 average annual salary of a yard switch operator.

Yard switch operator vs train brake operator overview

	Yard Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Yearly salary	$37,724	$42,893
Hourly rate	$18.14	$20.62
Growth rate	-2%	-2%
Number of jobs	29,408	31,625
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 100%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	-	-

Yard switch operator vs train brake operator salary

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Average salary	$37,724	$42,893
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $57,000	Between $30,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	North Bergen, NJ	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Meritor	-
Best paying industry	Hospitality	-

Differences between yard switch operator and train brake operator education

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 100%
Most common major	Business	-
Most common college	-	-

Yard switch operator vs train brake operator demographics

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3%
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 train brake 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.

Train brake operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

Yard switch operator vs train brake 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 train brake operator skills

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Transportation Industry
Yard Switch Operator
Yard Switch Operator vs Train Brake Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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