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The differences between tractor trailer operators and cdl 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 operator and a cdl driver. Additionally, a cdl driver has an average salary of $63,112, which is higher than the $38,754 average annual salary of a tractor trailer operator.
The top three skills for a tractor trailer operator include CDL, DOT and safety inspections. The most important skills for a cdl driver are DOT, CDL-A, and customer service.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | CDL Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $63,112 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $30.34 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 784,044 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Tractor-Trailer Operator typically operates a heavy-duty tractor/trailer over the road or city shuttle service or for trailer spotting operations. He/She knows how to make use of GPS and maps to chart the best and cost-efficient routes for delivery purposes. You will be responsible for dispatching vehicles for emergency response. You'll also do the following; monitor the performance of the trailer, perform regular maintenance on it and complete all paperwork. Besides, you'll be in constant communication with the aid of a CB radio for needed instructions.
A CDL driver is responsible for the transportation of goods from the manufacturing warehouse to specific store locations. CDL drivers' duties include inspecting the items before and after the delivery to ensure that the orders are correct with the right quantity, providing proof of delivery from the receiving customers, following the delivery schedule and report any delays immediately, monitoring the vehicle's engine for efficiency, and escalating concerns of incorrect deliveries and defective items. A CDL driver must have excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills, following safety procedures and road rules at all times.
Tractor trailer operators and cdl drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | CDL Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $63,112 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $41,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | UPS | GCP Applied Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a cdl driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | CDL Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and cdl drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | CDL Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 3.5% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 3.4% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |