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The differences between tractor trailer operators and 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 truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| 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 truck driver transports goods and materials by land from and to manufacturing factories or retail businesses and distribution centers with the use of heavy trucks or tractor-trailers. Truck drivers assist and supervise the safe unloading of cargos to the destination. They must always check their cargo if complete and secured with cables, rope, or other materials. They should keep their truck clean, neat, and inspect prior the trip and ensure to be in good working condition to operate safely. It is very important that they follow with all appropriate safety procedures and comply with federal and state regulations. They must also be knowledgable and comfortable in using maps or GPS to navigate the safest and most efficient routes.
Tractor trailer operators and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Delaware |
| Best paying company | UPS | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver | |
| 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' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| 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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |