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The differences between heavy equipment operators and truck drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a heavy equipment operator, becoming a truck driver takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $39,822 average annual salary of a heavy equipment operator.
The top three skills for a heavy equipment operator include loaders, backhoe and CDL. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $39,822 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 47,261 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.6 | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry. Some of the equipment they operate are forklifts, bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, excavation machines, and mixer trucks. Heavy equipment operators are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of their equipment and are expected to be able to do basic repair and maintenance. They should also be able to recommend more complex repairs and maintenance work needed. Heavy equipment operators must adhere to health and safety protocols at all times.
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.
Heavy equipment operators and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $39,822 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $57,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Trenton, NJ | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Moody's | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Retail |
There are a few differences between a heavy equipment operator and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between heavy equipment operators' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% | 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 | 2% | 4% |