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The differences between tractor trailer operators and company 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 company driver. Additionally, a company driver has an average salary of $65,430, 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 company driver are CDL, OTR, and PET.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Company Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $65,430 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $31.46 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 708,157 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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 company driver helps an organization with all transport-related duties and ensures that these are carried out on time. Company drivers transport and deliver goods, equipment, products, and staff members to locations required by the organization. They maintain the cleanliness of their vehicles and are responsible for informing the organization about repairs and maintenance. Company drivers must also obtain the appropriate licenses and should have clean driving records with no accidents and traffic violations.
Tractor trailer operators and company drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Company Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $65,430 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $45,000 And $93,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | UPS | Air Products |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a company driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Company 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 company drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Company Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 90.5% Female, 9.5% |
| 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, 13.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 3.8% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |