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The differences between tractor trailer operators and line haul 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 line haul driver. Additionally, a line haul driver has an average salary of $53,992, 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 line haul driver are CDL, hazmat, and safety regulations.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Line Haul Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $53,992 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $25.96 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 871,646 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| 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 line haul truck driver is in charge of transporting heavy materials using large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, ensuring timeliness and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around securing documents or invoices, adhering to specific routes, driving for long durations, liaising and building positive relationships with companies, and ensuring the safety and quality of all cargo. Furthermore, as a line haul truck driver, it is essential to abide by all the traffic laws and perform regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Tractor trailer operators and line haul drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Line Haul Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $53,992 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $37,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Fargo, ND |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | UPS | Tyson Foods |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a line haul driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Line Haul Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and line haul drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Line Haul Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| 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, 12.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |