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Residential driver vs driver trainer

The differences between residential drivers and driver trainers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a residential driver and a driver trainer. Additionally, a driver trainer has an average salary of $46,074, which is higher than the $36,713 average annual salary of a residential driver.

The top three skills for a residential driver include CDL, safety equipment and clean waste. The most important skills for a driver trainer are CDL, dexterity, and training programs.

Residential driver vs driver trainer overview

Residential DriverDriver Trainer
Yearly salary$36,713$46,074
Hourly rate$17.65$22.15
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs751,657844,436
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a residential driver do?

The duties of a residential driver depend on their line of work or employer. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around providing private transport to clients or providing public transportation services within residential areas. There are instances where they must communicate with clients, establish contracts, or be on call any time of the day. Furthermore, as a residential driver, it is essential to abide by all the traffic laws and perform regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure a safe and healthy service to clients.

What does a driver trainer do?

Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients. They teach their clients the basics of handling a car, the different actions one takes while driving, and the meaning of different street signs. They guide their clients during driving lessons and provide feedback so that their clients can improve. At times, driver trainers also handle driving tests and would rate the clients on their driving skills.

Residential driver vs driver trainer salary

Residential drivers and driver trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Residential DriverDriver Trainer
Average salary$36,713$46,074
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $48,000Between $30,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityPlymouth, MAPortland, OR
Highest paying stateAlaskaOregon
Best paying companyWaste ManagementJ. J. Keller & Associates
Best paying industryGovernmentTransportation

Differences between residential driver and driver trainer education

There are a few differences between a residential driver and a driver trainer in terms of educational background:

Residential DriverDriver Trainer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Residential driver vs driver trainer demographics

Here are the differences between residential drivers' and driver trainers' demographics:

Residential DriverDriver Trainer
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between residential driver and driver trainer duties and responsibilities

Residential driver example responsibilities.

  • DOT logs are done and turn in daily.
  • Operate hoisting device to lift and empty bins or containers into truck hopper.
  • Operate compression equipment as well as automated or semi-automate hoisting devices.
  • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
  • Return to shop, perform post trip inspection, turn in all company tools require for the job.

Driver trainer example responsibilities.

  • Manage delivery locations and execute pickup and delivery routes.
  • Maintain trip logs in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
  • Follow FMCSA requirements for a commercial driver's license.
  • Use of electronic logging system (XATA) and GPS system.
  • Implement the company new hire training program for OTR dry freight drivers.
  • Train new CDL drivers in safety and delivery operations, logbook verification, and route scheduling.
  • Show more

Residential driver vs driver trainer skills

Common residential driver skills
  • CDL, 16%
  • Safety Equipment, 8%
  • Clean Waste, 8%
  • Safety Issues, 7%
  • Safety Policies, 7%
  • Productivity Standards, 7%
Common driver trainer skills
  • CDL, 33%
  • Dexterity, 17%
  • Training Programs, 13%
  • Defensive Driving, 11%
  • Emergency Equipment, 10%
  • Customer Service, 3%

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