Yard switch operator vs yard jockey

The differences between yard switch operators and yard jockeys can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a yard jockey has an average salary of $44,440, 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 a yard jockey are CDL, tractor trailer, and work ethic.

Yard switch operator vs yard jockey overview

	Yard Switch Operator	Yard Jockey
Yearly salary	$37,724	$44,440
Hourly rate	$18.14	$21.37
Growth rate	-2%	4%
Number of jobs	29,408	3,910
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	47	48
Years of experience	-	2

Yard switch operator vs yard jockey salary

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Yard Jockey
Average salary	$37,724	$44,440
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $57,000	Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	North Bergen, NJ	Albany, OR
Highest paying state	Alaska	Hawaii
Best paying company	Meritor	Fortune Brands Home & Security
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Transportation

Differences between yard switch operator and yard jockey education

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Yard Jockey
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Yard switch operator vs yard jockey demographics

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

	Yard Switch Operator	Yard Jockey
Average age	47	48
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 92.2% Female, 7.8%
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, 14.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	21%	4%

Differences between yard switch operator and yard jockey 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.

Yard jockey example responsibilities.

Assemble tire orders for loaders.
Used RF gun to scan merchandise.
Monitor crane operators and remove IBC from freights.
Train new hires and new cdl holders on the road operation.
Pick up and delivery of freight of all kinds including hazmat.
Train new hires and new cdl holders on company policies and procedures.

Yard switch operator vs yard jockey skills

Common yard switch operator skills

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

Common yard jockey skills

CDL, 30%
Tractor Trailer, 17%
Work Ethic, 7%
Dock Doors, 7%
Customer Service, 5%
Pallets, 5%

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Yard Switch Operator
Yard Switch Operator vs Yard Jockey

Updated January 8, 2025

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