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The differences between operators and truck driver and equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an operator and truck driver, becoming an equipment operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an operator and truck driver has an average salary of $250,847, which is higher than the $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.
The top three skills for an operator and truck driver include CDL, OTR and DOT. The most important skills for an equipment operator are CDL, loaders, and asphalt.
| Operator And Truck Driver | Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $250,847 | $31,739 |
| Hourly rate | $120.60 | $15.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 483,014 | 62,473 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 48 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An operator and truck driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of goods and services within a particular area. One must have the skills and credentials, such as a license for driving large vehicles, and stamina for the long drives. Aside from this, they must also abide by the traffic rules and regulations at all times, even conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition. Furthermore, an operator and truck driver must coordinate with clients and other workers to ensure that all deliveries are accurate and timely.
Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.
Operators and truck driver and equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Operator And Truck Driver | Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $250,847 | $31,739 |
| Salary range | Between $126,000 And $497,000 | Between $24,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, OR | Indianapolis, IN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | York | Nelsen Partners |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between an operator and truck driver and an equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Operator And Truck Driver | Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between operators and truck driver' and equipment operators' demographics:
| Operator And Truck Driver | Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 3.9% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |