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Semi driver vs commercial truck driver

The differences between semi drivers and commercial 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 semi driver and a commercial truck driver. Additionally, a commercial truck driver has an average salary of $64,512, 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 commercial truck driver are CDL, good time management, and safety issues.

Semi driver vs commercial truck driver overview

Semi DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Yearly salary$49,041$64,512
Hourly rate$23.58$31.02
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs780,114719,069
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Semi driver vs commercial truck driver salary

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

Semi DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Average salary$49,041$64,512
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $69,000Between $41,000 And $100,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Tyson Foods
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between semi driver and commercial truck driver education

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

Semi DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Semi driver vs commercial truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between semi drivers' and commercial truck drivers' demographics:

Semi DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 91.7% Female, 8.3%Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0%
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, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between semi driver and commercial truck 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.

Commercial truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift following OSHA safety regulations and maintenance standards.
  • Work OTR for duration of lease.
  • Complete nationwide OTR training including all terrains and climates.
  • Train and mentore new CDL certify students from the company.
  • Attend licensing to learn about new laws and Hazmat industry procedures.
  • Maintain commercial driver's license (CDL) without incident or accident.
  • Show more

Semi driver vs commercial truck driver skills

Common semi driver skills
  • Safety Checks, 18%
  • Customer Locations, 13%
  • OTR, 12%
  • Delivery Schedules, 7%
  • Customer Relations, 6%
  • Semi Trailers, 5%
Common commercial truck driver skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • Good Time Management, 9%
  • Safety Issues, 9%
  • Safety Equipment, 8%
  • Federal Regulations, 7%
  • OTR, 5%

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