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Package delivery driver vs tow truck driver

The differences between package delivery drivers and tow truck drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a tow truck driver has an average salary of $38,555, which is higher than the $37,271 average annual salary of a package delivery driver.

The top three skills for a package delivery driver include CDL, physical exams and delivery vehicle. The most important skills for a tow truck driver are transport vehicles, CDL, and customer service.

Package delivery driver vs tow truck driver overview

Package Delivery DriverTow Truck Driver
Yearly salary$37,271$38,555
Hourly rate$17.92$18.54
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs447,795666,918
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age4848
Years of experience-2

What does a package delivery driver do?

A package delivery driver is responsible for picking up parcels and merchandise from warehouse or distribution centers for deliveries to different destinations. Package delivery drivers should be cautious in moving items, most importantly fragile packages, following special instructions as needed. They inspect their vehicle's condition and conduct regular maintenance to prevent delays in operations and road failures. A package delivery driver ensures the receipt of packages upon delivery, responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns, and resolve and escalate complaints to the management immediately.

What does a tow truck driver do?

Typically working upon the directives of dispatchers, a tow truck driver is in charge of driving to areas where a vehicle accident or breakdown took place, connecting the vehicle to the tow truck, and transporting them to repair stations or particular places. Their responsibilities include communicating with clients to identify their needs, answering inquiries, providing assistance by performing minor repairs, changing tires or jump-starting cars, and recommending solutions when necessary. Furthermore, as a tow truck driver, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks on towing trucks for a safe and efficient service.

Package delivery driver vs tow truck driver salary

Package delivery drivers and tow truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Package Delivery DriverTow Truck Driver
Average salary$37,271$38,555
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $51,000Between $29,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityWarwick, RIAuburn, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyUS FoodsCity of Detroit
Best paying industryRetailTransportation

Differences between package delivery driver and tow truck driver education

There are a few differences between a package delivery driver and a tow truck driver in terms of educational background:

Package Delivery DriverTow Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorBusinessAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Package delivery driver vs tow truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between package delivery drivers' and tow truck drivers' demographics:

Package Delivery DriverTow Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 87.4% Female, 12.6%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 3.9% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between package delivery driver and tow truck driver duties and responsibilities

Package delivery driver example responsibilities.

  • Hire and manage drivers who run the routes.
  • Conduct pre-trip vehicle inspection on a daily basis.
  • Complete daily pre-trip vehicle inspection check before start of delivery day.
  • Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, Hazmat paperwork with regulations.
  • Operate all size package cars including large non CDL box moving trucks.
  • Set ladders, scaffolds, and hoists in place for taking supplies to roofs
  • Show more

Tow truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
  • Operate tow truck and equipment (dollies, go jacks).
  • Drive rollback tow truck, load and unload cars, secure cars on truck bed, operate hydraulic, maintain truck
  • Right eye injury and ineligibility for CDL )
  • Job require current CDL with clean driving record.
  • Maintain contracts with several companies as well as CHP work.
  • Show more

Package delivery driver vs tow truck driver skills

Common package delivery driver skills
  • CDL, 42%
  • Physical Exams, 37%
  • Delivery Vehicle, 13%
  • Appearance Guidelines, 4%
  • Delivery Route, 1%
  • Outdoor Position, 1%
Common tow truck driver skills
  • Transport Vehicles, 22%
  • CDL, 17%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Loaders, 10%
  • AAA, 8%
  • Fuel Delivery, 5%

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