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Driver assistant vs van driver

The differences between driver assistants and van drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a driver assistant has an average salary of $37,795, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.

The top three skills for a driver assistant include delivery truck, customer service and safety procedures. The most important skills for a van driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.

Driver assistant vs van driver overview

Driver AssistantVan Driver
Yearly salary$37,795$36,254
Hourly rate$18.17$17.43
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs387,080791,293
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience-2

What does a driver assistant do?

A driver assistant is responsible for helping the lead driver transport people, goods, and services from one place to various destinations as required with utmost safety and security. Driver assistants respond to the customers' delivery inquiries and concerns, update delivery receipts, inspect the quality of the merchandise before loading and unloading, report replacements to the distribution centers, and assist with the road navigation to prevent delivery delays. A driver assistant must have excellent organizational and time-management skills, ensuring smooth delivery operations professionally and efficiently.

What does a van driver do?

A van driver is responsible for operating a wide and a larger-sized vehicle than a regular car, usually used as a company shuttle to pick up and drop employees to designated areas. Van drivers should have a clean driving record, ensuring the safety and comfortability of the passengers while on the road. They should also be familiar with the location, considering alternative routes for any road complications to avoid delays. A van driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the engine's condition, and perform repairs as necessary.

Driver assistant vs van driver salary

Driver assistants and van drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Driver AssistantVan Driver
Average salary$37,795$36,254
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $66,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyGeneral MotorsDVFSchool
Best paying industryAutomotiveTransportation

Differences between driver assistant and van driver education

There are a few differences between a driver assistant and a van driver in terms of educational background:

Driver AssistantVan Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Driver assistant vs van driver demographics

Here are the differences between driver assistants' and van drivers' demographics:

Driver AssistantVan Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 84.3% Female, 15.7%Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.2% Asian, 3.4% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between driver assistant and van driver duties and responsibilities

Driver assistant example responsibilities.

  • Load truck with appropriate product and deliver accordingly, return to warehouse for receiving and other warehouse duties including monthly inventory.
  • Memorize menu, delivered/prepare sandwiches, maintain inventory, take customer/catering orders in-store/over-the-phone, utilize POS computer system.

Van driver example responsibilities.

  • Perform basic math sufficient to process axle weights at shipping docks.
  • Maintain knowledge of first-aid procedures including CPR.
  • Plot route pickup and drop off points.
  • Have taken additional training in HAZMAT and international audit procedures.
  • Specialize in teaching reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Obtain knowledge of CDL laws and statues in accordance with the D.O.T
  • Show more

Driver assistant vs van driver skills

Common driver assistant skills
  • Delivery Truck, 14%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Safety Procedures, 12%
  • CDL, 9%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Package Delivery, 6%
Common van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%

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