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The differences between escort vehicle drivers 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 an escort vehicle driver and a truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Escort Vehicle Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $34,684 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $16.68 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 617,503 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
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.
Escort vehicle drivers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Escort Vehicle Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $34,684 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $51,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Middletown, NY | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Xoriant | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between an escort vehicle driver and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Escort Vehicle Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between escort vehicle drivers' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Escort Vehicle Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 12.8% 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% |