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The differences between tractor trailer operators and over the road 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 an over the road driver. Additionally, an over the road driver has an average salary of $62,119, 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 an over the road driver are CDL, PET, and post-trip inspections.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Over The Road Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $62,119 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $29.86 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 711,143 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| 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.
Over the road, (OTR) drivers are the truckers driving the big semi-trailer truck that hauls all types of goods to their destinations across the states. Their journey typically begins with loading the freight onto the trailer, requiring them to lift heavy materials and load the cargo properly to avoid shifting while in transit. They often sleep in the sleeper berth at a truck stop to eat, freshen up and refuel. They are allowed to go on a 30-minute break after an eight-hour drive.
Tractor trailer operators and over the road drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Over The Road Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $62,119 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $43,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Camden, NJ |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | UPS | Walmart |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and an over the road driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Over The Road Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and over the road drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Over The Road Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| 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, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.9% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |