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Truck driver instructor vs commercial truck driver

The differences between truck driver instructors and commercial 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 driver instructor and a commercial truck driver. Additionally, a commercial truck driver has an average salary of $64,512, which is higher than the $46,410 average annual salary of a truck driver instructor.

The top three skills for a truck driver instructor include OTR, DOT and safety regulations. The most important skills for a commercial truck driver are CDL, good time management, and safety issues.

Truck driver instructor vs commercial truck driver overview

Truck Driver InstructorCommercial Truck Driver
Yearly salary$46,410$64,512
Hourly rate$22.31$31.02
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs690,758719,069
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Truck driver instructor vs commercial truck driver salary

Truck driver instructors and commercial truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Truck Driver InstructorCommercial Truck Driver
Average salary$46,410$64,512
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $64,000Between $41,000 And $100,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Tyson Foods
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between truck driver instructor and commercial truck driver education

There are a few differences between a truck driver instructor and a commercial truck driver in terms of educational background:

Truck Driver InstructorCommercial Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common college--

Truck driver instructor vs commercial truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between truck driver instructors' and commercial truck drivers' demographics:

Truck Driver InstructorCommercial Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 86.6% Female, 13.4%Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between truck driver instructor and commercial truck driver duties and responsibilities

Truck driver instructor example responsibilities.

  • Check all load documentation for accuracy, inspect load and receive required signatures for pickup and delivery.
  • Instruct on the use of the rules of the road.
  • Work with students on range skills as well as road and classroom.
  • Transport oil safely, after testing oil.for bsw, to offloading stations
  • Test gravity and BSW of samples to ensure oil is good to load.
  • Maintain open communication via CB radio for additional instructions.

Commercial truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift following OSHA safety regulations and maintenance standards.
  • Work OTR for duration of lease.
  • Complete nationwide OTR training including all terrains and climates.
  • Train and mentore new CDL certify students from the company.
  • Attend licensing to learn about new laws and Hazmat industry procedures.
  • Maintain commercial driver's license (CDL) without incident or accident.
  • Show more

Truck driver instructor vs commercial truck driver skills

Common truck driver instructor skills
  • OTR, 32%
  • DOT, 31%
  • Safety Regulations, 9%
  • Federal Motor, 6%
  • DMV, 5%
  • Defensive Driving, 4%
Common commercial truck driver skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • Good Time Management, 9%
  • Safety Issues, 9%
  • Safety Equipment, 8%
  • Federal Regulations, 7%
  • OTR, 5%

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