Semi truck driver vs truck driver

The differences between semi truck 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 semi truck driver and a truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $57,712 average annual salary of a semi truck driver.

The top three skills for a semi truck driver include CDL, DOT and log book. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.

Semi truck driver vs truck driver overview

	Semi Truck Driver	Truck Driver
Yearly salary	$57,712	$60,326
Hourly rate	$27.75	$29.00
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	793,750	827,858
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Semi truck driver vs truck driver salary

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

	Semi Truck Driver	Truck Driver
Average salary	$57,712	$60,326
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $86,000	Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	Bismarck, ND	Wilmington, DE
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Delaware
Best paying company	Mid-South Management	W. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industry	Transportation	Retail

Differences between semi truck driver and truck driver education

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

	Semi Truck Driver	Truck Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Semi truck driver vs truck driver demographics

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

	Semi Truck Driver	Truck Driver
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8%	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 62.1% 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 Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between semi truck driver and truck driver duties and responsibilities

Semi truck driver example responsibilities.

Complete training to obtain CDL 'S
Handle multiple projects simultaneously under OSHA and Hazmat.
45810419-759-2020Haul oversized loads, equipment hauling, OTR work.
Deliver aggregate and asphalt product to various job sites throughout Arizona.
Experience in handling of high value and HazMat materials, including securement and placarding.
Check all load documentation for accuracy, inspect load and receive required signatures for pickup and delivery.

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.

Semi truck driver vs truck driver skills

Common semi truck driver skills

CDL, 42%
DOT, 15%
Log Book, 6%
Asphalt, 6%
OTR, 4%
Food Products, 3%

Common truck driver skills

CDL, 47%
OTR, 12%
DOT, 10%
PET, 6%
Hazmat, 4%
Customer Service, 4%

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Semi Truck Driver
Semi Truck Driver vs Truck Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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