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The differences between tractor trailer operators and haul 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 haul truck driver. Additionally, a haul truck driver has an average salary of $60,932, 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 haul truck driver are CDL, DOT, and traffic violations.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Haul Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $60,932 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $29.29 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 704,286 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| 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.
Haul Truck Drivers are skilled professional drivers. They are licensed to drive around heavy vehicles such as trucks. They usually travel long distances to deliver goods from one place to another. They should be able to meet delivery time expectations. As such, Haul Truck Drivers should have good time management skills. They should also have the presence of mind while driving and must obey all traffic rules. They should know the best routes to take for each particular trip. They must also ensure that their trucks are well-maintained. Haul truck Drivers should be strong enough to assist in loading up the truck or reloading the content.
Tractor trailer operators and haul truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Haul Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $60,932 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $40,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Tulsa, OK |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Oklahoma |
| Best paying company | UPS | Tyson Foods |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a haul truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Haul Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and haul truck drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Haul Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 3.8% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |