Traffic operator vs terminal manager

The differences between traffic operators and terminal managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a traffic operator and a terminal manager. Additionally, a terminal manager has an average salary of $74,237, which is higher than the $36,610 average annual salary of a traffic operator.

The top three skills for a traffic operator include patrol, traffic management and CCTV. The most important skills for a terminal manager are customer service, DOT, and OSHA.

Traffic operator vs terminal manager overview

	Traffic Operator	Terminal Manager
Yearly salary	$36,610	$74,237
Hourly rate	$17.60	$35.69
Growth rate	3%	6%
Number of jobs	31,592	16,792
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

What does a traffic operator do?

A Traffic Operator coordinates all logistic shipments and associated operations. You will be required to oversee all payments and credit negotiation demands within traffic management. For all that you will do, you'll be required to listen to emergency radios for incident alerts as well as maintain operating standards and emergency procedures. As a Traffic Operator, you will be responsible for carrying out rig movements while drilling is going on, depending on the particular industry. You'll do some other tasks like operating heavy machinery like the bobcat equipment and also perform demolition work.

What does a terminal manager do?

Terminal managers are professionals who are responsible for managing workers and direct dispatching activities of logistics vehicles. These managers are required to develop relationships with corporate and operational departments so that they can ensure the company logistics standards are met. They must resolve customer service complaints by implementing satisfactory solutions to retain customers. Terminal drivers must train new drivers so that they can be licensed, tested, and certified according to federal and state laws. They are also required to maintain a clean and safe working condition of their facility and equipment.

Traffic operator vs terminal manager salary

Traffic operators and terminal managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Traffic Operator	Terminal Manager
Average salary	$36,610	$74,237
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $53,000	Between $55,000 And $99,000
Highest paying City	Topeka, KS	San Leandro, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Virginia
Best paying company	Trafigura	Hub Group
Best paying industry	Finance	Energy

Differences between traffic operator and terminal manager education

There are a few differences between a traffic operator and a terminal manager in terms of educational background:

	Traffic Operator	Terminal Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Traffic operator vs terminal manager demographics

Here are the differences between traffic operators' and terminal managers' demographics:

	Traffic Operator	Terminal Manager
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between traffic operator and terminal manager duties and responsibilities

Traffic operator example responsibilities.

Manage busy company switchboard, operating PBX or private branch exchange systems to facilitate connections.
Dispatch safety service patrol along the interstate to assist with disable vehicles, accidents, or any lane closures.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Train and recruit transportation personnel ensuring compliance with numerous transportation and DoD regulations.

Terminal manager example responsibilities.

Manage all CDL drivers files, medical re-certifications, and random drug and alcohol testing.
Utilize company trucks and outside carriers to achieve proper and JIT deliveries of order goods.
Provide route profitability analysis as directed, manage transportation GPS process.
Manage all truckload and LTL warehouse operations including consolidation and distribution for several customers.
Coordinate logistics process, freight movement, and contractor activities managing inbound/outbound freight, customer service and administration.
Manage inventory of inbound ocean containers, coordinate and schedule TL operations, supervise yard hostlers and manage outbound trailer traffic.

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Traffic operator vs terminal manager skills

Common traffic operator skills

Patrol, 15%
Traffic Management, 10%
CCTV, 7%
Incident Management, 6%
DOT, 6%
Traffic Control, 6%

Common terminal manager skills

Customer Service, 15%
DOT, 13%
OSHA, 5%
Payroll, 4%
Facility Maintenance, 4%
Customer Satisfaction, 4%

Traffic Operator vs. similar jobs

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Updated January 8, 2025

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