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The differences between tractor-trailer drivers and 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 truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $58,498 average annual salary of a tractor-trailer driver.
The top three skills for a tractor-trailer driver include DOT, CDL and OTR. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $58,498 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 690,787 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| 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 truck driver transports goods and materials by land from and to manufacturing factories or retail businesses and distribution centers with the use of heavy trucks or tractor-trailers. Truck drivers assist and supervise the safe unloading of cargos to the destination. They must always check their cargo if complete and secured with cables, rope, or other materials. They should keep their truck clean, neat, and inspect prior the trip and ensure to be in good working condition to operate safely. It is very important that they follow with all appropriate safety procedures and comply with federal and state regulations. They must also be knowledgable and comfortable in using maps or GPS to navigate the safest and most efficient routes.
Tractor-trailer drivers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $58,498 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $84,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Atlanta, GA | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Exel Inc. | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between a tractor-trailer driver and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor-trailer drivers' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| 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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |