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What is a yard jockey and how to become one
A yard jockey operates specialized machinery to move trailers and containers around shipping yards, warehouses, and trucking terminals. They are responsible for maneuvering the trailers into tight spaces, loading and unloading cargo, and ensuring that the trailers are properly secured. Yard jockeys use a variety of equipment, including tractors, forklifts, and cranes. They work in fast-paced environments where safety is paramount. Yard jockeys work full-time and may be required to work odd hours or weekends.
Avg. Salary $44,440
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%
Asian 3.46%
Black or African American 14.18%
Hispanic or Latino 17.75%
Unknown 4.58%
White 59.24%
Genderfemale 7.80%
male 92.20%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is very poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a Yard Jockey?
Pros
Opportunities for overtime
Job security
Opportunity for growth within the company
Independent work environment
Learn how to operate a variety of equipment
Cons
Dangerous work environment
Risk of injury from operating heavy equipment
Shift work can disrupt the sleep schedule
Repetitive tasks can become tedious
Limited social interaction with coworkers
Yard Jockey career paths
Key steps to become a yard jockey
Explore yard jockey education requirements
Start to develop specific yard jockey skills
Skills 
Percentages CDL 29.99% Tractor Trailer 17.07% Work Ethic 7.45% Dock Doors 7.25% Customer Service 4.88% Complete relevant yard jockey training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New yard jockeys learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a yard jockey based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real yard jockey resumes.Research yard jockey duties and 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.
Prepare your yard jockey resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your yard jockey resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a yard jockey resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Yard Jockey Resume templates
Build a professional Yard Jockey resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Yard Jockey resume.
Apply for yard jockey jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a yard jockey job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Yard Jockey Job
Are you a Yard Jockey?
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Average yard jockey salary
The average Yard Jockey salary in the United States is $44,440 per year or $21 per hour. Yard jockey salaries range between $33,000 and $58,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do yard jockeys rate their job?
Yard Jockey reviews
hourly pay and steady employment
haven't found training for this field or any suggestions as to where there is any training schools for such in CA.
My job is simple. I like to work alone, I'm self motivating. I have more than 12 years doing this job, that was in Aviation. All the Air craft were larger than an 18 wheeler, I also have a CDL- Class A. The weather dosen't bother me. Overtime dosen't bother me. I prefer to work nights,but I'm open to work any shift.
Updated January 8, 2025
