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The differences between tractor-trailer drivers and driver trainers 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 driver trainer. Additionally, a tractor-trailer driver has an average salary of $58,498, which is higher than the $46,074 average annual salary of a driver trainer.
The top three skills for a tractor-trailer driver include DOT, CDL and OTR. The most important skills for a driver trainer are CDL, dexterity, and training programs.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Driver Trainer | |
| Yearly salary | $58,498 | $46,074 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $22.15 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 690,787 | 844,436 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| 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.
Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients. They teach their clients the basics of handling a car, the different actions one takes while driving, and the meaning of different street signs. They guide their clients during driving lessons and provide feedback so that their clients can improve. At times, driver trainers also handle driving tests and would rate the clients on their driving skills.
Tractor-trailer drivers and driver trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Driver Trainer | |
| Average salary | $58,498 | $46,074 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $84,000 | Between $30,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Atlanta, GA | Portland, OR |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Exel Inc. | J. J. Keller & Associates |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor-trailer driver and a driver trainer in terms of educational background:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Driver Trainer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor-trailer drivers' and driver trainers' demographics:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Driver Trainer | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3% |
| 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, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |