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The differences between tractor-trailer drivers and contract 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 tractor-trailer driver and a contract driver. Additionally, a tractor-trailer driver has an average salary of $58,498, which is higher than the $34,999 average annual salary of a contract driver.
The top three skills for a tractor-trailer driver include DOT, CDL and OTR. The most important skills for a contract driver are DOT, CDL, and tractor trailer.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $58,498 | $34,999 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $16.83 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 690,787 | 1,007,663 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A tractor-trailer driver is responsible for picking up and delivering goods and services from distribution centers and warehouses to different locations across the country as required. Tractor-trailer drivers manage the best route planning to prevent delays. They should also have extensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the vehicle's condition regularly, repairing any inconsistencies, and replacing defective components to ensure smooth operations. A tractor-trailer driver must have excellent communication and organizational skills, responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns and escalating complaints to management for immediate resolution.
A contract driver mainly provides transport services on a contractual basis. Their duties typically depend on their contract or place of employment; they may deliver goods or provide private transport to clients. When it comes to delivering goods, a contract driver must adhere to schedules and guidelines, maintain documents, and coordinate with clients. Furthermore, a contract driver must perform regular maintenance checks on their vehicles and abide by the traffic laws and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
Tractor-trailer drivers and contract drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Average salary | $58,498 | $34,999 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $84,000 | Between $23,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Atlanta, GA | - |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | - |
| Best paying company | Exel Inc. | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a tractor-trailer driver and a contract driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor-trailer drivers' and contract drivers' demographics:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 4.0% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |