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Owner/operator vs truck driver

The differences between owner/operators 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 owner/operator and a truck driver. Additionally, an owner/operator has an average salary of $167,288, which is higher than the $60,326 average annual salary of a truck driver.

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

Owner/operator vs truck driver overview

Owner/OperatorTruck Driver
Yearly salary$167,288$60,326
Hourly rate$80.43$29.00
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs119,599827,858
Job satisfaction54
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 42%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does an owner/operator do?

Owners/operators manage the business in all aspects, especially in those related to operations. They ensure that every aspect of the business is running smoothly. They oversee finance, marketing, logistics, sales, and even the human resources of the whole organization. They set business goals, create action plans to achieve them, and make sure that the plans are followed through. They set strategic direction and make business decisions that would be the most beneficial to the organization. They ensure that the business has enough funds to continue operating and that the quality of the products and services they offer continuously improve.

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.

Owner/operator vs truck driver salary

Owner/operators and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Owner/OperatorTruck Driver
Average salary$167,288$60,326
Salary rangeBetween $105,000 And $264,000Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying CityBridgeport, CTWilmington, DE
Highest paying stateOregonDelaware
Best paying companyReddy IceW. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industryTechnologyRetail

Differences between owner/operator and truck driver education

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

Owner/OperatorTruck Driver
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 42%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Owner/operator vs truck driver demographics

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

Owner/OperatorTruck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 66.8% Female, 33.2%Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% 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 owner/operator and truck driver duties and responsibilities

Owner/operator example responsibilities.

  • Create and manage a free subscription, advertising- base facsimile publication and franchising system.
  • Manage all inventory for eBay store, including its labeling, storage, sales, and overall organization.
  • Design, implement and manage processes base on ITIL best practices, standards and relate support tools across the organization.
  • Direct daily operations of four profit centers, managing all financial functions to include A/R, A/P, payroll and purchasing.
  • Create and manage print and electronic co-op advertising program
  • Manage end to end business operations including hiring, scheduling visits, conducting customer consultations and performing pet visits.
  • 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

Owner/operator vs truck driver skills

Common owner/operator skills
  • CDL, 57%
  • PET, 16%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Payroll, 4%
  • Human Resources, 1%
  • Windows, 1%
Common truck driver skills
  • CDL, 47%
  • OTR, 12%
  • DOT, 10%
  • PET, 6%
  • Hazmat, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%

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