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The differences between tractor trailer operators and commercial 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 operator and a commercial truck driver. Additionally, a commercial truck driver has an average salary of $64,512, 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 commercial truck driver are CDL, good time management, and safety issues.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Commercial Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $64,512 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $31.02 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 719,069 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| 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 commercial truck driver is primarily in charge of transporting and delivering cargo, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. Their responsibilities include driving for long durations, coordinating with logistics staff, handling documentation, and maintaining the safety of cargo. There are also instances where they must liaise with clients, unload and load cargo, and keep records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a commercial truck driver, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks on vehicles and adhere to the traffic laws and regulations for a safe and productive work environment.
Tractor trailer operators and commercial truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Commercial Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $64,512 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $41,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | New York |
| Best paying company | UPS | Tyson Foods |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a commercial truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Commercial Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and commercial truck drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Commercial Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% |
| 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, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |