Post job

Spotter driver vs transportation driver

The differences between spotter drivers and transportation 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 spotter driver and a transportation driver. Additionally, a spotter driver has an average salary of $48,925, which is higher than the $43,236 average annual salary of a transportation driver.

The top three skills for a spotter driver include CDL, dock doors and DOT. The most important skills for a transportation driver are CDL, DOT, and tractor trailer.

Spotter driver vs transportation driver overview

Spotter DriverTransportation Driver
Yearly salary$48,925$43,236
Hourly rate$23.52$20.79
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs641,8121,006,562
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Spotter driver vs transportation driver salary

Spotter drivers and transportation drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Spotter DriverTransportation Driver
Average salary$48,925$43,236
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $70,000Between $26,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityGuilderland, NYCheyenne, WY
Highest paying stateAlaskaWyoming
Best paying companyNationwide ExpressWest Tennessee Healthcare
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between spotter driver and transportation driver education

There are a few differences between a spotter driver and a transportation driver in terms of educational background:

Spotter DriverTransportation Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Spotter driver vs transportation driver demographics

Here are the differences between spotter drivers' and transportation drivers' demographics:

Spotter DriverTransportation Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 92.1% Female, 7.9%Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between spotter driver and transportation driver duties and responsibilities

Spotter driver example responsibilities.

  • Communicate daily with dispatch for pickup and delivery appointments.
  • Drive flatb with sand sacs from train depot to load site.

Transportation driver example responsibilities.

  • Utilize CDL to transport elderly patients to doctor appointments, dining and recreation activities.
  • Maintain safe CDL driving record.
  • Haul chemicals OTR to customers assist in load and unload as needed
  • Certify in CPR, chauffeur license, perform administrative support functions.
  • Transport clients in a safe and professional manner; ability to understand maps and GPS
  • Assist in loading and unloading of van for patients with slight disabilities such as walkers, wheelchairs.
  • Show more

Spotter driver vs transportation driver skills

Common spotter driver skills
  • CDL, 50%
  • Dock Doors, 24%
  • DOT, 12%
  • Yard Truck, 7%
  • Spotter Truck, 2%
  • Spot Trailers, 1%
Common transportation driver skills
  • CDL, 21%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%

Browse transportation jobs