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The differences between tractor-trailer drivers and tow truck 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 tow truck driver. Additionally, a tractor-trailer driver has an average salary of $58,498, which is higher than the $38,555 average annual salary of a tow truck driver.
The top three skills for a tractor-trailer driver include DOT, CDL and OTR. The most important skills for a tow truck driver are transport vehicles, CDL, and customer service.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $58,498 | $38,555 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $18.54 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 690,787 | 666,918 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| 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.
Typically working upon the directives of dispatchers, a tow truck driver is in charge of driving to areas where a vehicle accident or breakdown took place, connecting the vehicle to the tow truck, and transporting them to repair stations or particular places. Their responsibilities include communicating with clients to identify their needs, answering inquiries, providing assistance by performing minor repairs, changing tires or jump-starting cars, and recommending solutions when necessary. Furthermore, as a tow truck driver, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks on towing trucks for a safe and efficient service.
Tractor-trailer drivers and tow truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $58,498 | $38,555 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $84,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Atlanta, GA | Auburn, WA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Washington |
| Best paying company | Exel Inc. | City of Detroit |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor-trailer driver and a tow truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor-trailer drivers' and tow truck drivers' demographics:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Tow Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| 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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 3.9% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |