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The differences between truck drivers and class b 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 and a class b driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $44,233 average annual salary of a class b driver.
The top three skills for a truck driver include CDL, OTR and DOT. The most important skills for a class b driver are CDL, DOT, and customer service.
| Truck Driver | Class B Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $60,326 | $44,233 |
| Hourly rate | $29.00 | $21.27 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 827,858 | 703,020 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A Class B driver is responsible for operating vehicles with weight requirements, usually used for commercial and industrial purposes. Class B drivers are typically employed as a school bus driver, delivery truck driver, public transit driver, ensuring that they meet a clean driving record. They should also have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry, especially on inspecting the vehicle's engine condition and set maintenance repairs as necessary. A Class B driver must adhere to the safe road regulations at all times to prevent accidents and avoid delays in operation.
Truck drivers and class b drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Truck Driver | Class B Driver | |
| Average salary | $60,326 | $44,233 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $90,000 | Between $35,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | Wilmington, DE | Kent, WA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Washington |
| Best paying company | W. R. Grace & Co | Ilitch Holdings |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Construction |
There are a few differences between a truck driver and a class b driver in terms of educational background:
| Truck Driver | Class B Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between truck drivers' and class b drivers' demographics:
| Truck Driver | Class B Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% | Male, 90.1% Female, 9.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |