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The differences between tractor trailer operators and class a 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 class a driver. Additionally, a class a driver has an average salary of $56,620, 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 class a driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Class A Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $56,620 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $27.22 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 706,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| 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 Class A driver is an individual driver who has acquired a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate trucks or commercial vehicles to transport materials and heavy equipment. Class A drivers are required to plan over-the-road (OTR) travel by using GPS and ensure that they follow bulk cargo transportation laws, regulations, and guidelines. They must conduct proper maintenance of the company vehicles and provide accurate daily logs to stay in compliance with the company's regulations. Class A drivers should also know how to operate equipment such as citizen band (CB) radios and telephones.
Tractor trailer operators and class a drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Class A Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $56,620 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $39,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Philadelphia, PA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Vermont |
| Best paying company | UPS | Mid-South Management |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a class a driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Class A Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and class a drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Class A Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% |
| 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, 11.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 3.7% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |