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The differences between tank truck drivers and tow 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 tank truck driver and a tow truck driver. Additionally, a tank truck driver has an average salary of $59,007, which is higher than the $38,555 average annual salary of a tow truck driver.
The top three skills for a tank truck driver include CDL, tractor trailer and OTR. The most important skills for a tow truck driver are transport vehicles, CDL, and customer service.
A tank truck driver is responsible for delivering a large volume of products to the customers or warehouse centers, such as gasoline, oil, and other related chemicals. Tank truck drivers ensure the regular maintenance of the truck's engine, immediately repairing inconsistencies and glitches to avoid potential hazards and delays in deliveries. They should also abide by road regulations at all times, requiring them to have a clean driving record to handle their duties under strict conditions and deadlines.
Typically working upon the directives of dispatchers, a tow truck driver is in charge of driving to areas where a vehicle accident or breakdown took place, connecting the vehicle to the tow truck, and transporting them to repair stations or particular places. Their responsibilities include communicating with clients to identify their needs, answering inquiries, providing assistance by performing minor repairs, changing tires or jump-starting cars, and recommending solutions when necessary. Furthermore, as a tow truck driver, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks on towing trucks for a safe and efficient service.
Tank truck drivers and tow truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tank Truck Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $59,007 | $38,555 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $87,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Auburn, WA |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | Washington |
| Best paying company | Air Products | City of Detroit |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tank truck driver and a tow truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Tank Truck Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tank truck drivers' and tow truck drivers' demographics:
| Tank Truck Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 3.9% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |