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Transportation driver vs diesel truck driver

The differences between transportation drivers and diesel 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 transportation driver and a diesel truck driver. Additionally, a diesel truck driver has an average salary of $43,702, which is higher than the $43,236 average annual salary of a transportation driver.

The top three skills for a transportation driver include CDL, DOT and tractor trailer. The most important skills for a diesel truck driver are CDL, cranes, and OTR.

Transportation driver vs diesel truck driver overview

Transportation DriverDiesel Truck Driver
Yearly salary$43,236$43,702
Hourly rate$20.79$21.01
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs1,006,562684,748
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Transportation driver vs diesel truck driver salary

Transportation drivers and diesel truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Transportation DriverDiesel Truck Driver
Average salary$43,236$43,702
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $70,000Between $32,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityCheyenne, WY-
Highest paying stateWyoming-
Best paying companyWest Tennessee Healthcare-
Best paying industry--

Differences between transportation driver and diesel truck driver education

There are a few differences between a transportation driver and a diesel truck driver in terms of educational background:

Transportation DriverDiesel Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorBusinessAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Transportation driver vs diesel truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between transportation drivers' and diesel truck drivers' demographics:

Transportation DriverDiesel Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 99.6% Female, 0.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 3.8% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between transportation driver and diesel truck driver duties and responsibilities

Transportation driver example responsibilities.

  • Utilize CDL to transport elderly patients to doctor appointments, dining and recreation activities.
  • Maintain safe CDL driving record.
  • Haul chemicals OTR to customers assist in load and unload as needed
  • Certify in CPR, chauffeur license, perform administrative support functions.
  • Transport clients in a safe and professional manner; ability to understand maps and GPS
  • Assist in loading and unloading of van for patients with slight disabilities such as walkers, wheelchairs.
  • Show more

Diesel truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Complete delivery and pickup paperwork promptly and accurately, returning say paperwork to the appropriate facility personnel.
  • Keep track of logs, miles, and bol's.

Transportation driver vs diesel truck driver skills

Common transportation driver skills
  • CDL, 21%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%
Common diesel truck driver skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Cranes, 15%
  • OTR, 14%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Hoists, 8%
  • DOT, 7%

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