As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey in the United States is $47,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey | $46,320 |
| Intermediate Level Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey | $46,962 |
| Senior Level Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey | $48,057 |
| Specialist Level Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey | $49,105 |
| Expert Level Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey | $49,508 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Terminal Operator/Yard Jockeys. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Verbal Communication | 10.02% |
| Logistics | 6.4% |
| Consultative Services | 1.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$52,270 |
11%
|
|
Time Management
|
$50,386 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$49,915 |
6%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$49,915 |
6%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$49,915 |
6%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$48,503 |
3%
|
Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,752. While startup companies pay approximate $43,835.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $43,835 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $46,342 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $49,993 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $51,752 |
For Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $70,635 | $34.0 | 50% |
| Construction | $61,217 | $29.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver II | $48,400 | 3% |
| Haul Truck Driver I | $60,200 | 28% |
| Commercial Truck Driver II | $53,740 | 14% |
| Truck Driver II (CDL-B) | $48,390 | 3% |
Salaries for a Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,571 in 2023 to around $46,963 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,571 |
| 2024 | $47,474 |
| 2025 | $46,963 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
No, crane operators do not make $200k. Based on the salary data for Terminal Operators/Yard Jockeys, the minimum salary is $46,890, the mid-salary is $51,790, and the maximum salary is $57,490. This indicates that crane operators typically earn significantly less than $200k.
As of January 23, 2025, the salary for a Yard Jockey in Georgia ranges from a minimum of $46,890 to a maximum of $57,490, with a mid-salary of $51,790. This aligns with the average hourly pay of approximately $18.56, reflecting a typical range for this position in the state.
Jockeys at the Kentucky Derby earn a percentage of the prize money, typically around 10%. While specific earnings can vary, the average salary for a terminal operator/yard jockey ranges from $46,890 to $57,490 annually. Therefore, a successful jockey could potentially earn a significant amount during major races, depending on their horse's performance.
Yes, yard jockeys typically undergo drug testing, which is conducted at a healthcare facility. This is a standard procedure in many companies to ensure safety and compliance. The salary for a Terminal Operator/Yard Jockey ranges from $46,890 to $57,490, with a mid-salary of $51,790, reflecting the importance of maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Nearly all freight moves on trucks at some point. Most likely, a yard driver, also known as a yard jockey, hostler, or switcher, helped get the goods to the destination. The short move in a trailer to and from the dock is a vital link that must be done safely by skilled and qualified employees. Salaries for yard jockeys range from $46,890 to $57,490, with a median of $51,790.
Yard jockeys are some of the hardest working professionals in the trucking industry. Though they don't do long-haul driving, they are responsible for crucial aspects of cargo delivery, including communication and unloading. With salaries ranging from $46,890 to $57,490, their efforts are well-compensated for the demanding nature of the job.
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