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The differences between truck dispatchers 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 truck dispatcher and a truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $35,756 average annual salary of a truck dispatcher.
The top three skills for a truck dispatcher include truck loads, safety regulations and customer service. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Truck Dispatcher | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $35,756 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $17.19 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | - | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 61,928 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Average age | 43 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A truck dispatcher is tasked with scheduling deliveries, passenger transport, or shipments that are conducted by truck; they work hand in hand with truck drivers. They maintain communication with customers record shipment details, ensure pick-up times, and discuss any other issues. A track dispatcher is also responsible for tracking delivery trucks to ensure that goods arrive on time and undamaged. They may also be in charge of setting up routes.
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.
Truck dispatchers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Truck Dispatcher | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $35,756 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $52,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Livermore, CA | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Marathon Petroleum | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Retail |
There are a few differences between a truck dispatcher and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Truck Dispatcher | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between truck dispatchers' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Truck Dispatcher | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 43 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.3% Female, 42.7% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.8% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 7% | 4% |