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The differences between driver trainers and van 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 van driver. Additionally, a driver trainer has an average salary of $46,074, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.
The top three skills for a driver trainer include CDL, dexterity and training programs. The most important skills for a van driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.
| Driver Trainer | Van Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $46,074 | $36,254 |
| Hourly rate | $22.15 | $17.43 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 844,436 | 791,293 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| 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.
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 trainers and van drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Driver Trainer | Van Driver | |
| Average salary | $46,074 | $36,254 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $70,000 | Between $24,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, OR | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Alaska |
| Best paying company | J. J. Keller & Associates | DVFSchool |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a driver trainer and a van driver in terms of educational background:
| Driver Trainer | Van Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between driver trainers' and van drivers' demographics:
| Driver Trainer | Van Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| 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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |