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What is a motor vehicle operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

People skilled enough to operate vehicles who don't want to pursue further education after a high school diploma can end up working as motor vehicle operators. They are skilled employees of an organization who transport materials, records, supplies, and people by operating the vehicles of the company. Motor vehicle operators need to memorize the routes which they frequently use and must be able to drive different kinds of vehicles. Maintaining a vehicle can also be a part of their job description.

A high school diploma along with a commercial driver's license is enough to land you in this position. Vehicle operators need to follow the driving laws and regulations. People working in this field have knowledge of motor vehicles, CDL, safety rules, weather conditions, and clearance. Usually, motor vehicle operators earn almost $27 per hour. They make more than $55,000 in a year. As long as there are motor vehicles that are not automatic, this role will be available.

ScoreMotor Vehicle OperatorUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,498

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.54%

Asian 4.81%

Black or African American 15.25%

Hispanic or Latino 13.82%

Unknown 3.89%

White 60.70%

Gender

female 14.15%

male 85.85%

Age - 57
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 57

Motor vehicle operator career paths

Key steps to become a motor vehicle operator

  1. Explore motor vehicle operator education requirements

    Most common motor vehicle operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    36.7 %

    Bachelor's

    25.9 %

    Associate

    23.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific motor vehicle operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Motor Vehicle23.87%
    CDL10.59%
    Patients7.04%
    Veterans5.87%
    Safety Rules5.82%
  3. Research motor vehicle operator duties and responsibilities

    • Utilize HAZMAT procedures to ensure proper handling.
    • Conduct CDL drivers' applicant driving tests for employment.
    • Monitor and document equipment efficiency via on-board GPS tracking program.
    • Conduct 1st echelon maintenance on vehicles to maintain operational status and maintain vehicle cleanliness.
  4. Prepare your motor vehicle operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your motor vehicle operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a motor vehicle operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable motor vehicle operator resume templates

    Build a professional motor vehicle operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your motor vehicle operator resume.
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
    Motor Vehicle Operator Resume
  5. Apply for motor vehicle operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a motor vehicle operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first motor vehicle operator job

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Average motor vehicle operator salary

The average motor vehicle operator salary in the United States is $51,498 per year or $25 per hour. Motor vehicle operator salaries range between $24,000 and $108,000 per year.

Average motor vehicle operator salary
$51,498 Yearly
$24.76 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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