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Residential driver vs truck driver

The differences between residential drivers 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 a residential driver and a truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.

Residential driver vs truck driver overview

Residential DriverTruck Driver
Yearly salary$36,713$60,326
Hourly rate$17.65$29.00
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs751,657827,858
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 48%
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 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.

Residential driver vs truck driver salary

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

Residential DriverTruck Driver
Average salary$36,713$60,326
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $48,000Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying CityPlymouth, MAWilmington, DE
Highest paying stateAlaskaDelaware
Best paying companyWaste ManagementW. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industryGovernmentRetail

Differences between residential driver and truck driver education

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

Residential DriverTruck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Residential driver vs truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between residential drivers' and truck drivers' demographics:

Residential DriverTruck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
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, 12.8% 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 residential driver and truck driver 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.

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

Residential driver vs truck driver skills

Common residential driver skills
  • CDL, 16%
  • Safety Equipment, 8%
  • Clean Waste, 8%
  • Safety Issues, 7%
  • Safety Policies, 7%
  • Productivity Standards, 7%
Common truck driver skills
  • CDL, 47%
  • OTR, 12%
  • DOT, 10%
  • PET, 6%
  • Hazmat, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%

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