Post job

Escort vehicle driver vs commercial driver

The differences between escort vehicle drivers and commercial drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an escort vehicle driver and a commercial driver. Additionally, a commercial driver has an average salary of $46,852, which is higher than the $34,684 average annual salary of an escort vehicle driver.

The top three skills for an escort vehicle driver include motor vehicle, maintenance checks and CPR. The most important skills for a commercial driver are customer service, CDL, and ladders.

Escort vehicle driver vs commercial driver overview

Escort Vehicle DriverCommercial Driver
Yearly salary$34,684$46,852
Hourly rate$16.68$22.52
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs617,5031,016,123
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does an escort vehicle driver do?

Escort vehicle drivers drive ahead of big trucks to warn motorists and clear the traffic in the truck's way. They must communicate with drivers and inform them about changes of route, speed, or traffic congestion underway. Also, in aviation, the escort vehicle driver is needed in guiding planes along the runway. They also need a driver's license and excellent hand-eye coordination to quickly manage sudden turns.

What does a commercial driver do?

A commercial driver is responsible for transporting people, goods, and services from one place to various destinations as required. Commercial drivers must have a clean driving record to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the merchandise's quality while on the road. They should also know how to operate a vehicle's engine, inspect system defects, and repair system malfunctions to prevent any delays in transportation and deliveries. A commercial driver must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry and report any problems to management.

Escort vehicle driver vs commercial driver salary

Escort vehicle drivers and commercial drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Escort Vehicle DriverCommercial Driver
Average salary$34,684$46,852
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $51,000Between $35,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityMiddletown, NYAuburn, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyXoriantLaramie County Community College
Best paying industryTransportationTransportation

Differences between escort vehicle driver and commercial driver education

There are a few differences between an escort vehicle driver and a commercial driver in terms of educational background:

Escort Vehicle DriverCommercial Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Escort vehicle driver vs commercial driver demographics

Here are the differences between escort vehicle drivers' and commercial drivers' demographics:

Escort Vehicle DriverCommercial Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 79.5% Female, 20.5%Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 3.6% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between escort vehicle driver and commercial driver duties and responsibilities

Escort vehicle driver example responsibilities.

  • Transport and manage artillery ammunition.
  • Provide emergency road-side services (mainly towing) to AAA members, commercial customers and police agencies.
  • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
  • Drive tractor-trailer combination applying knowledge of commercial driving regulations, to transport and deliver general commodities.

Commercial driver example responsibilities.

  • Haul HAZMAT with roll-off bins, tankers, flatb, dry vans and dumps.
  • Plan delivery route & schedule using maps and GPS devices.
  • Develop and maintain an efficient routing system utilizing GPS and map.
  • Operate a Volvo commercial truck and transport regional and OTR loads.
  • Train and evaluate entry-level drivers while operating as an OTR flatb driver.
  • Determine if they would benefit from coming to school and obtaining their CDL.
  • Show more

Escort vehicle driver vs commercial driver skills

Common escort vehicle driver skills
  • Motor Vehicle, 29%
  • Maintenance Checks, 15%
  • CPR, 12%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • Vehicle Maintenance, 8%
  • Medical Appointments, 7%
Common commercial driver skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • CDL, 12%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • Customer Orders, 9%
  • DOT, 8%
  • Distribution Centers, 5%

Browse transportation jobs