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The differences between tractor trailer operators and tractor-trailer 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 tractor-trailer driver. Additionally, a tractor-trailer driver has an average salary of $58,498, 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 tractor-trailer driver are DOT, CDL, and OTR.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $58,498 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $28.12 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 690,787 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| 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 tractor-trailer driver is responsible for picking up and delivering goods and services from distribution centers and warehouses to different locations across the country as required. Tractor-trailer drivers manage the best route planning to prevent delays. They should also have extensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the vehicle's condition regularly, repairing any inconsistencies, and replacing defective components to ensure smooth operations. A tractor-trailer driver must have excellent communication and organizational skills, responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns and escalating complaints to management for immediate resolution.
Tractor trailer operators and tractor-trailer drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $58,498 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $40,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Atlanta, GA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | UPS | Exel Inc. |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a tractor-trailer driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and tractor-trailer drivers' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% |
| 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, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |