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The differences between tractor trailer operators and truck driver-over the roads 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-over-the-road. Additionally, a truck driver-over-the-road has an average salary of $69,158, 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-over-the-road are CDL, OTR, and PET.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver-Over-The-Road | |
| Yearly salary | $38,754 | $69,158 |
| Hourly rate | $18.63 | $33.25 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 703,362 | 689,630 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| 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 truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is an individual driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach. To avoid vehicular breakdowns and delays, OTR drivers are required to inspect their trucks and review shipping and transport documents. They are also responsible for unloading freights and collect charges from customers.
Tractor trailer operators and truck driver-over the roads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver-Over-The-Road | |
| Average salary | $38,754 | $69,158 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $50,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, WA | Des Moines, WA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Washington |
| Best paying company | UPS | Walmart |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a tractor trailer operator and a truck driver-over-the-road in terms of educational background:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver-Over-The-Road | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between tractor trailer operators' and truck driver-over the roads' demographics:
| Tractor Trailer Operator | Truck Driver-Over-The-Road | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.3% | Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9% |
| 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, 13.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 3.9% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |