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The differences between dump truck drivers and tow 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 dump truck driver and a tow truck driver. Additionally, a dump truck driver has an average salary of $55,857, which is higher than the $38,555 average annual salary of a tow truck driver.
The top three skills for a dump truck driver include CDL, asphalt and DOT. The most important skills for a tow truck driver are transport vehicles, CDL, and customer service.
| Dump Truck Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $55,857 | $38,555 |
| Hourly rate | $26.85 | $18.54 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 702,361 | 666,918 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A dump truck driver is responsible for transporting construction materials, such as rocks, sands, woods, heavy equipment, garbage collection, and junk supplies from one place to the assigned destination. Dump truck drivers must have excellent mechanical skills to inspect the vehicle before and after operations to prevent delays and possible engine failures, especially on working during different weather conditions. They should also have clean driving records, following the road's safety regulations at all times, ensuring the efficiency of deliveries within the agreed time.
Typically working upon the directives of dispatchers, a tow truck driver is in charge of driving to areas where a vehicle accident or breakdown took place, connecting the vehicle to the tow truck, and transporting them to repair stations or particular places. Their responsibilities include communicating with clients to identify their needs, answering inquiries, providing assistance by performing minor repairs, changing tires or jump-starting cars, and recommending solutions when necessary. Furthermore, as a tow truck driver, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks on towing trucks for a safe and efficient service.
Dump truck drivers and tow truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Dump Truck Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $55,857 | $38,555 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $72,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Ponca City, OK | Auburn, WA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Washington |
| Best paying company | North Central Group | City of Detroit |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a dump truck driver and a tow truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Dump Truck Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between dump truck drivers' and tow truck drivers' demographics:
| Dump Truck Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 3.9% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |