Tractor sweeper operator vs terminal operator

The differences between tractor sweeper operators and terminal operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a tractor sweeper operator and a terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $33,761 average annual salary of a tractor sweeper operator.

The top three skills for a tractor sweeper operator include CDL, asphalt and sweepers. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Tractor sweeper operator vs terminal operator overview

	Tractor Sweeper Operator	Terminal Operator
Yearly salary	$33,761	$39,948
Hourly rate	$16.23	$19.21
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	41,198	43,328
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Tractor sweeper operator vs terminal operator salary

Tractor sweeper operators and terminal operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tractor Sweeper Operator	Terminal Operator
Average salary	$33,761	$39,948
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $44,000	Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Woodburn, OR	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	Hawaii
Best paying company	Walsh Electric	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Construction

Differences between tractor sweeper operator and terminal operator education

There are a few differences between a tractor sweeper operator and a terminal operator in terms of educational background:

	Tractor Sweeper Operator	Terminal Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tractor sweeper operator vs terminal operator demographics

Here are the differences between tractor sweeper operators' and terminal operators' demographics:

	Tractor Sweeper Operator	Terminal Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 2.7% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between tractor sweeper operator and terminal operator duties and responsibilities

Tractor sweeper operator example responsibilities.

Manage and uphold park cleanliness by monitoring patron behavior and being responsible for cleaning up spills from humans or animals
Operate sweepers in various locations, primarily construction sites.
Used backpack blowers for cleaning corners and islands; also clean shipping and receiving docks for local stores.
Operate street sweepers; sweep and maintain grounds of client's property.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Maintain proper communication with management and frac crews on/off-site.

Terminal operator example responsibilities.

Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
Pull LTL loads for shipment.
Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).

Tractor sweeper operator vs terminal operator skills

Common tractor sweeper operator skills

CDL, 38%
Asphalt, 30%
Sweepers, 27%
Traffic Control, 3%
Safety Checks, 1%
Water Tanks, 0%

Common terminal operator skills

Loaders, 9%
Cranes, 9%
Rail Cars, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
TWIC, 5%
General Maintenance, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Tractor Sweeper Operator
Tractor Sweeper Operator vs Terminal Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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