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Car driver vs commercial driver

The differences between car drivers and commercial drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a commercial driver has an average salary of $46,852, which is higher than the $36,587 average annual salary of a car driver.

The top three skills for a car driver include customer service, CDL and clean vehicle. The most important skills for a commercial driver are customer service, CDL, and ladders.

Car driver vs commercial driver overview

Car DriverCommercial Driver
Yearly salary$36,587$46,852
Hourly rate$17.59$22.52
Growth rate20%4%
Number of jobs165,3251,016,123
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4748
Years of experience-2

What does a car driver do?

Car drivers are skilled professionals who are responsible for transporting clients comfortably and safely. These drivers are required to pick up clients from the place and time they have requested while using the GPS (Global Positioning System) to navigate and follow directions to transport them to their specified location. They are required to undergo a training program and certification testing to obtain the commercial driver's license (CDL) from the Department of Transportation. These drivers must also comply with the routine to clean vehicle interior to ensure optimal condition of vehicles.

What does a commercial driver do?

A commercial driver is responsible for transporting people, goods, and services from one place to various destinations as required. Commercial drivers must have a clean driving record to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the merchandise's quality while on the road. They should also know how to operate a vehicle's engine, inspect system defects, and repair system malfunctions to prevent any delays in transportation and deliveries. A commercial driver must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry and report any problems to management.

Car driver vs commercial driver salary

Car drivers and commercial drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Car DriverCommercial Driver
Average salary$36,587$46,852
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $58,000Between $35,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYAuburn, WA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandWashington
Best paying companyTeslaLaramie County Community College
Best paying industryTechnologyTransportation

Differences between car driver and commercial driver education

There are a few differences between a car driver and a commercial driver in terms of educational background:

Car DriverCommercial Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Car driver vs commercial driver demographics

Here are the differences between car drivers' and commercial drivers' demographics:

Car DriverCommercial Driver
Average age4748
Gender ratioMale, 72.2% Female, 27.8%Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 22.1% Asian, 9.4% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%4%

Differences between car driver and commercial driver duties and responsibilities

Car driver example responsibilities.

  • Use of tools and equipment such as drill, ratchet, hedge trimmer , 36' mowers.
  • DOT regulate paperwork and schedule.
  • Complete vouchers and fax to Medicaid.
  • Receive certification in first aid and CPR.
  • Keep all information confidential and abide by HIPPA regulations.
  • Log book use recording times of pickup and drop off.
  • Show more

Commercial driver example responsibilities.

  • Haul HAZMAT with roll-off bins, tankers, flatb, dry vans and dumps.
  • Plan delivery route & schedule using maps and GPS devices.
  • Develop and maintain an efficient routing system utilizing GPS and map.
  • Operate a Volvo commercial truck and transport regional and OTR loads.
  • Train and evaluate entry-level drivers while operating as an OTR flatb driver.
  • Determine if they would benefit from coming to school and obtaining their CDL.
  • Show more

Car driver vs commercial driver skills

Common car driver skills
  • Customer Service, 46%
  • CDL, 15%
  • Clean Vehicle, 7%
  • Relevant Safety Regulations, 5%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Medical Appointments, 4%
Common commercial driver skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • CDL, 12%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • Customer Orders, 9%
  • DOT, 8%
  • Distribution Centers, 5%

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