How To Become A Tractor Trailer Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a tractor trailer operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Tractor-trailer operators are drivers who operate trailers and other heavy-duty trucks on the roads. A tractor operator must be trained on how to drive heavy-duty trucks as they are more complex than cars. Aside from this, they perform routine checks and maintenance on the truck/trailer they operate and also report any mechanical errors.

To excel at this job, they must strictly follow all safety regulations. They must also be well versed in using GPS for convenient navigation. A tractor-trailer operator must pay serious attention to detail and have effective hand-eye coordination. They must also possess physical stamina and be fit.

If you want to be a tractor-trailer operator, you can become one with just a high school diploma or GED. However, previous experience as a truck driver will most likely be a requirement to get this role. In the United States, tractor-trailer operators earn an average of $12.95 per hour.

ScoreTractor Trailer OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $38,754

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 3.50%

Black or African American 12.86%

Hispanic or Latino 20.49%

Unknown 4.61%

White 57.75%

Gender

female 6.25%

male 93.75%

Age - 49

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49

Stress level

7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

1.4

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a tractor trailer operator

Explore tractor trailer operator education requirements

Most common tractor trailer operator degrees

High School Diploma

35.2 %

Associate

22.9 %

Bachelor's

16.8 %

Start to develop specific tractor trailer operator skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	23.31%
DOT	13.16%
Safety Inspections	8.12%
Two-Way Radio	8.01%
Vehicle Service	6.14%

Complete relevant tractor trailer operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tractor trailer operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tractor trailer operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tractor trailer operator resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming a licensed tractor trailer operator usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed tractor trailer operator in most of states. 13 states require tractor trailer operators to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License url
Arkansas	Specific course required	State exam required	Commercial Driver (Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver)
California	-	State exam required	Commercial Driver License
Idaho	-	State exam required	Commercial Drivers
Massachusetts	-	State exam required	COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
Missouri	-	State exam required	Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer

Research tractor trailer operator duties and responsibilities

Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
Operate a tractor trailer OTR trhu center and west coast of the country.
Well verse in using GPS and maps to chart out time and cost efficient routs for delivery purpose.
Deliver refrigerated products between multiple states while operating a semi tractor trailer.

Get tractor trailer operator experience

Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a tractor trailer operator. The most common roles before becoming a tractor trailer operator include truck driver, tractor-trailer driver team lead and driver.

Prepare your tractor trailer operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tractor trailer operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tractor trailer operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable tractor trailer operator resume templates

Build a professional tractor trailer operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your tractor trailer operator resume.