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The differences between driver trainers and 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 driver trainer and a truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $46,074 average annual salary of a driver trainer.
The top three skills for a driver trainer include CDL, dexterity and training programs. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Driver Trainer | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $46,074 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $22.15 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 844,436 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients. They teach their clients the basics of handling a car, the different actions one takes while driving, and the meaning of different street signs. They guide their clients during driving lessons and provide feedback so that their clients can improve. At times, driver trainers also handle driving tests and would rate the clients on their driving skills.
The truck driver transports goods and materials by land from and to manufacturing factories or retail businesses and distribution centers with the use of heavy trucks or tractor-trailers. Truck drivers assist and supervise the safe unloading of cargos to the destination. They must always check their cargo if complete and secured with cables, rope, or other materials. They should keep their truck clean, neat, and inspect prior the trip and ensure to be in good working condition to operate safely. It is very important that they follow with all appropriate safety procedures and comply with federal and state regulations. They must also be knowledgable and comfortable in using maps or GPS to navigate the safest and most efficient routes.
Driver trainers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Driver Trainer | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $46,074 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $70,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, OR | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Delaware |
| Best paying company | J. J. Keller & Associates | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between a driver trainer and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Driver Trainer | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between driver trainers' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Driver Trainer | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |