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The differences between tractor-trailer drivers and van 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 van driver. Additionally, a tractor-trailer driver has an average salary of $58,498, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.
The top three skills for a tractor-trailer driver include DOT, CDL and OTR. The most important skills for a van driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Van Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $58,498 | $36,254 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $17.43 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 690,787 | 791,293 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| 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 van driver is responsible for operating a wide and a larger-sized vehicle than a regular car, usually used as a company shuttle to pick up and drop employees to designated areas. Van drivers should have a clean driving record, ensuring the safety and comfortability of the passengers while on the road. They should also be familiar with the location, considering alternative routes for any road complications to avoid delays. A van driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the engine's condition, and perform repairs as necessary.
Tractor-trailer drivers and van drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Van Driver | |
| Average salary | $58,498 | $36,254 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $84,000 | Between $24,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Atlanta, GA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Exel Inc. | DVFSchool |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor-trailer driver and a van driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Van Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor-trailer drivers' and van drivers' demographics:
| Tractor-Trailer Driver | Van Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| 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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |