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The differences between tractor trailer operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a tractor trailer operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a tractor trailer operator has an average salary of $38,754, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.
The top three skills for a tractor trailer operator include CDL, DOT and safety inspections. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Tractor trailer operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | UPS | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and operators' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |