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The differences between tank truck drivers and truck driver-over the roads 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 truck driver-over-the-road. Additionally, a truck driver-over-the-road has an average salary of $69,158, which is higher than the $59,007 average annual salary of a tank truck driver.
The top three skills for a tank truck driver include CDL, tractor trailer and OTR. The most important skills for a truck driver-over-the-road are CDL, OTR, and PET.
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.
A truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is an individual driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach. To avoid vehicular breakdowns and delays, OTR drivers are required to inspect their trucks and review shipping and transport documents. They are also responsible for unloading freights and collect charges from customers.
Tank truck drivers and truck driver-over the roads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tank Truck Driver | Truck Driver-Over-The-Road | |
| Average salary | $59,007 | $69,158 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $87,000 | Between $50,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Des Moines, WA |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | Washington |
| Best paying company | Air Products | Walmart |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a tank truck driver and a truck driver-over-the-road in terms of educational background:
| Tank Truck Driver | Truck Driver-Over-The-Road | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tank truck drivers' and truck driver-over the roads' demographics:
| Tank Truck Driver | Truck Driver-Over-The-Road | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9% |
| 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, 13.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 3.9% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |