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The differences between tractor trailer operators and professional 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 professional truck driver. Additionally, a professional truck driver has an average salary of $48,577, 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 professional truck driver are CDL, safety regulations, and on-time delivery.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Professional Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $48,577 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $23.35 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 739,437 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 32% |
| 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.
Professional truck drivers have skills in communication, organization, and navigation, as well as a motivated personality and a good sense of responsibility. Their services are absolutely essential, with the most basic task being driving commercial trucks for transportation of goods and materials to distribution centers. Truck drivers transport everything from automobiles to produce to machinery.
Tractor trailer operators and professional truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Professional Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $48,577 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $33,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | UPS | Wellpath |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a professional truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Professional Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 32% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and professional truck drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Professional Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 84.3% Female, 15.7% |
| 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, 14.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |