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The differences between local 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 a local driver and a truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Local Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $48,160 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $23.15 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 786,531 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| 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.
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.
Local drivers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Local Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $48,160 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $69,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Montana | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Mid-South Management | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between a local driver and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Local Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between local drivers' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Local Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| 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, 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% |