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Semi driver vs cdl driver

The differences between semi drivers and cdl 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 semi driver and a cdl driver. Additionally, a cdl driver has an average salary of $63,112, which is higher than the $49,041 average annual salary of a semi driver.

The top three skills for a semi driver include safety checks, customer locations and OTR. The most important skills for a cdl driver are DOT, CDL-A, and customer service.

Semi driver vs cdl driver overview

Semi DriverCDL Driver
Yearly salary$49,041$63,112
Hourly rate$23.58$30.34
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs780,114784,044
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Semi driver vs cdl driver salary

Semi drivers and cdl drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Semi DriverCDL Driver
Average salary$49,041$63,112
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $69,000Between $41,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Wyoming
Best paying company-GCP Applied Technologies
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between semi driver and cdl driver education

There are a few differences between a semi driver and a cdl driver in terms of educational background:

Semi DriverCDL Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Semi driver vs cdl driver demographics

Here are the differences between semi drivers' and cdl drivers' demographics:

Semi DriverCDL Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 91.7% Female, 8.3%Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 3.4% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between semi driver and cdl driver duties and responsibilities

Semi driver example responsibilities.

  • Try OTR driving, do not enjoy it.
  • Haul: hazmat loads and high security loads.
  • Used tracker and trailers (OTR) to deliver loads of scrap iron.
  • Fuel and maintain truck, and equipment, interact with computers, and GPS equipment.
  • Maintain telephone contact with supervisor or dispatcher to receive delivery or pickup instructions.
  • Maintain open communication via CB radio for additional instructions.

Cdl driver example responsibilities.

  • Complete proper amount of OTR hours and training including school training to become CDL-A certify.
  • clean the delta airline of the meals, food, drinks for the next flight.
  • Pick up and deliver all kids of freight
  • Dedicate route driver for pet supplies company.
  • School bus driver transport kids to and from school
  • Obtain TWIC card for access to secure facilities.
  • Show more

Semi driver vs cdl driver skills

Common semi driver skills
  • Safety Checks, 18%
  • Customer Locations, 13%
  • OTR, 12%
  • Delivery Schedules, 7%
  • Customer Relations, 6%
  • Semi Trailers, 5%
Common cdl driver skills
  • DOT, 17%
  • CDL-A, 13%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 7%
  • PET, 7%
  • Hazmat, 6%

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