Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between tractor trailer operators and truck drivers class a 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 truck driver class a. Additionally, a truck driver class a has an average salary of $63,270, 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 truck driver class a are CDL, PET, and OTR.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver Class A | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $63,270 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $30.42 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 709,900 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| 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.
The responsibilities of a Truck Driver Class A mainly revolves around driving heavy vehicles and ensuring that all transported goods meet the expected delivery deadlines and quality. The Driver needs to have a Class A license and be emotionally and physically healthy to qualify. Among the duties of a Truck Driver Class A will also revolve around securing and monitoring the quantity and quality of items, maintaining the vehicle in good condition, abide by the traffic rules and regulations, adhere to the company standards and policies, and have precise coordination with every workforce involved.
Tractor trailer operators and truck drivers class a have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver Class A | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $63,270 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $43,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | UPS | Walmart |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a truck driver class a in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver Class A | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and truck drivers class a' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver Class A | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| 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, 13.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |