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The differences between train engineers 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 train engineer and a truck driver. Additionally, a train engineer has an average salary of $82,531, which is higher than the $60,326 average annual salary of a truck driver.
The top three skills for a train engineer include pi planning, release train and scrum. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
A train engineer is responsible for operating train engines and controls to transport passengers from one station to another. Train engineers must have excellent mechanical and organizational skills to drive the train, including speed and battery pressure. They should also be able to interact with the passengers, requiring them to have good communication skills to remind them of the rules and regulations while boarding the train. A train engineer observes the train's engines for possible malfunctions and calls maintenance repairs as necessary to avoid potential hazards and delays.
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.
Train engineers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Train Engineer | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $82,531 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $133,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Chevron | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Retail |
There are a few differences between a train engineer and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Train Engineer | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between train engineers' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Train Engineer | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 47 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 1.9% White, 69.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 12% | 4% |