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The differences between local drivers and fuel 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 local driver and a fuel truck driver. Additionally, a fuel truck driver has an average salary of $56,767, which is higher than the $48,160 average annual salary of a local driver.
The top three skills for a local driver include CDL, DOT and post-trip inspections. The most important skills for a fuel truck driver are CDL, hazmat, and DOT.
| Local Driver | Fuel Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $48,160 | $56,767 |
| Hourly rate | $23.15 | $27.29 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 786,531 | 876,579 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A local driver is responsible for transporting people and goods and services from the distribution centers to various destinations. Local drivers operate vehicles and inspect the engine for any inconsistencies and system defects that may cause delays with the operations. They also schedule vehicle maintenance and repairs, keeping a record of receipts for the management's validation. A local driver must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record. Additionally, a local driver should possess excellent communication skills, especially on handling customers' inquiries and concerns and escalating high-level complaints.
A Fuel Truck Driver transports fuel and other petroleum products from one place to another, ensuring safety and timeliness. Their responsibilities include measuring and calculating fuel deliveries, maintaining records, handling documentation, liaising with clients, preparing progress reports, and overseeing the loading and unloading procedures, ensuring adherence to the company's safety standards and regulations. A Fuel Truck Driver must conduct regular vehicle maintenance checks and abide by the traffic laws and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
Local drivers and fuel truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Local Driver | Fuel Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $48,160 | $56,767 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $69,000 | Between $38,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Montana | - |
| Best paying company | Mid-South Management | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a local driver and a fuel truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Local Driver | Fuel Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between local drivers' and fuel truck drivers' demographics:
| Local Driver | Fuel Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7% | Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 3.3% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |