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Operator and truck driver vs truck driver

The differences between operators and truck driver 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 an operator and truck driver and a truck driver. Additionally, an operator and truck driver has an average salary of $250,847, which is higher than the $60,326 average annual salary of a truck driver.

The top three skills for an operator and truck driver include CDL, OTR and DOT. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.

Operator and truck driver vs truck driver overview

Operator And Truck DriverTruck Driver
Yearly salary$250,847$60,326
Hourly rate$120.60$29.00
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs483,014827,858
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does an operator and truck driver do?

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.

What does a truck driver do?

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.

Operator and truck driver vs truck driver salary

Operators and truck driver and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operator And Truck DriverTruck Driver
Average salary$250,847$60,326
Salary rangeBetween $126,000 And $497,000Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORWilmington, DE
Highest paying stateAlaskaDelaware
Best paying companyYorkW. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industryTransportationRetail

Differences between operator and truck driver and truck driver education

There are a few differences between an operator and truck driver and a truck driver in terms of educational background:

Operator And Truck DriverTruck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Operator and truck driver vs truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between operators and truck driver' and truck drivers' demographics:

Operator And Truck DriverTruck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between operator and truck driver and truck driver duties and responsibilities

Operator and truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Operate farm equipment completing tasks such as tilling, planting, mowing, and fertilizing.
  • Transport domestic, ocean, air-freight and various types of hazardous materials for Midwest LTL and OTR carrier.
  • Perform all duties according to FMCSA.
  • Drive a non CDL truck to deliver slabs to fabricators.
  • Operate dump truck hauling asphalt, move heavy equipment from work sites
  • Comply with hours of service regulations as it pertains to FMCSA.
  • Show more

Truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
  • Flatb loads including steel and specialty metals, pipe, refractory brick, commercial building materials, lumber and equipment.
  • Follow all HAZMAT regulations while transporting hazardous materials.
  • Utilize appropriate PPE at all times.
  • Dedicate run from Tennessee to California with LTL.
  • Used proper PPE and safety equipment when need.
  • Show more

Operator and truck driver vs truck driver skills

Common operator and truck driver skills
  • CDL, 49%
  • OTR, 15%
  • DOT, 12%
  • Hazmat, 11%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Dump Truck, 1%
Common truck driver skills
  • CDL, 47%
  • OTR, 12%
  • DOT, 10%
  • PET, 6%
  • Hazmat, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%

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