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Transportation driver vs transit driver

The differences between transportation drivers and transit drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a transportation driver has an average salary of $43,236, which is higher than the $36,195 average annual salary of a transit driver.

The top three skills for a transportation driver include CDL, DOT and tractor trailer. The most important skills for a transit driver are reliable transportation, CDL, and defensive driving.

Transportation driver vs transit driver overview

Transportation DriverTransit Driver
Yearly salary$43,236$36,195
Hourly rate$20.79$17.40
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs1,006,562362,919
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4855
Years of experience2-

What does a transportation driver do?

A transportation driver is responsible for transporting people and goods from one place to another. A transportation driver must have a clean driving record to operate vehicles carefully and efficiently. Transportation drivers must ensure that the passengers are safe and comfortable during the trip and that goods are in proper condition to avoid damage and defects. They should strictly adhere to the transport schedules and assigned routes to avoid delays of operations. A transportation driver should also understand maintenance basics of vehicles to perform repair and reconditioning of any engine malfunction.

What does a transit driver do?

A Transit Driver is tasked with driving passengers on already predetermined and specific routes along suburban or city streets and ensuring that they get to their destinations. He/She typically collects bus fares or tickets from passengers, answers questions on schedules and routes, and reports any traffic disruption or accidents to a central dispatcher. Aside from driving, you will need to also carry out routine check-ups of your bus tires, lights, oil, as well as perform other basic maintenance. You will also need to keep passengers informed of delays.

Transportation driver vs transit driver salary

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

Transportation DriverTransit Driver
Average salary$43,236$36,195
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $70,000Between $27,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityCheyenne, WYWest Haven, CT
Highest paying stateWyomingNew Jersey
Best paying companyWest Tennessee HealthcareKeurig Dr Pepper
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between transportation driver and transit driver education

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

Transportation DriverTransit Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Transportation driver vs transit driver demographics

Here are the differences between transportation drivers' and transit drivers' demographics:

Transportation DriverTransit Driver
Average age4855
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7%
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, 25.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 4.9% White, 47.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%9%

Differences between transportation driver and transit 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.
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Transit driver example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish CDL license with endorsement in doubles/triples.
  • Obtain full first aid and CPR training.
  • Well verse with first aid and CPR techniques.
  • Train new drivers on routes and for require testing for CDL.
  • Inform and train clients with GPS protocol and designate pick up and drop off points.
  • Respond to medical emergencies include administering first-aid and relay requests for services and transportation of patients to medical emergencies or appointments.
  • Show more

Transportation driver vs transit driver skills

Common transportation driver skills
  • CDL, 21%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%
Common transit driver skills
  • Reliable Transportation, 20%
  • CDL, 15%
  • Defensive Driving, 12%
  • Passenger Endorsement, 5%
  • Safety Standards, 5%
  • CPR, 3%

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