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Diesel truck driver vs commercial truck driver

The differences between diesel truck drivers and commercial truck drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a diesel truck driver and a commercial truck driver. Additionally, a commercial truck driver has an average salary of $64,512, which is higher than the $43,702 average annual salary of a diesel truck driver.

The top three skills for a diesel truck driver include CDL, cranes and OTR. The most important skills for a commercial truck driver are CDL, good time management, and safety issues.

Diesel truck driver vs commercial truck driver overview

Diesel Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Yearly salary$43,702$64,512
Hourly rate$21.01$31.02
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs684,748719,069
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Diesel truck driver vs commercial truck driver salary

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

Diesel Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Average salary$43,702$64,512
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $59,000Between $41,000 And $100,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Tyson Foods
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between diesel truck driver and commercial truck driver education

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

Diesel Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Diesel truck driver vs commercial truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between diesel truck drivers' and commercial truck drivers' demographics:

Diesel Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 99.6% Female, 0.4%Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 3.8% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between diesel truck driver and commercial truck driver duties and responsibilities

Diesel truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Complete delivery and pickup paperwork promptly and accurately, returning say paperwork to the appropriate facility personnel.
  • Keep track of logs, miles, and bol's.

Commercial truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift following OSHA safety regulations and maintenance standards.
  • Work OTR for duration of lease.
  • Complete nationwide OTR training including all terrains and climates.
  • Train and mentore new CDL certify students from the company.
  • Attend licensing to learn about new laws and Hazmat industry procedures.
  • Maintain commercial driver's license (CDL) without incident or accident.
  • Show more

Diesel truck driver vs commercial truck driver skills

Common diesel truck driver skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Cranes, 15%
  • OTR, 14%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Hoists, 8%
  • DOT, 7%
Common commercial truck driver skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • Good Time Management, 9%
  • Safety Issues, 9%
  • Safety Equipment, 8%
  • Federal Regulations, 7%
  • OTR, 5%

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