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The differences between tractor-trailer drivers and tank 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 tank driver. Additionally, a tractor-trailer driver has an average salary of $58,498, which is higher than the $51,471 average annual salary of a tank driver.
The top three skills for a tractor-trailer driver include DOT, CDL and OTR. The most important skills for a tank driver are CDL, hazmat, and post-trip inspections.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tank Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $58,498 | $51,471 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $24.75 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 690,787 | 783,401 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| 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.
The duties of a tank driver depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, they are responsible for transporting goods or hazardous materials, ensuring timeliness and accuracy. Their tasks often revolve around coordinating with managers or office staff, handling or organizing documentation, managing schedules, and liaising with clients. Furthermore, as a tank driver, it is crucial to abide by all the traffic laws and conduct regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure everyone's safety.
Tractor-trailer drivers and tank drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tank Driver | |
| Average salary | $58,498 | $51,471 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $84,000 | Between $35,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Atlanta, GA | Denver, CO |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Colorado |
| Best paying company | Exel Inc. | Kemira Chemicals |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor-trailer driver and a tank driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tank Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor-trailer drivers' and tank drivers' demographics:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tank Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0% |
| 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, 12.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |