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Truck driver vs hvac technician

The differences between truck drivers and hvac technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a truck driver, becoming a hvac technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $54,496 average annual salary of a hvac technician.

The top three skills for a truck driver include CDL, OTR and DOT. The most important skills for a hvac technician are HVAC, customer service, and preventative maintenance.

Truck driver vs hvac technician overview

Truck DriverHvac Technician
Yearly salary$60,326$54,496
Hourly rate$29.00$26.20
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs827,85886,709
Job satisfaction44.5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%Associate Degree, 29%
Average age4840
Years of experience24

What does a truck driver do?

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.

What does a hvac technician do?

An HVAC technician is qualified personnel who installs and repairs air-conditioning and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in both residential and commercial buildings. A technician's job may include repairing of pipe that is leaking, replacing a defective mechanical part, or adjust equipment setting for better performance. However, an HVAC technician must follow government regulations and local HVAC codes and should take the licensure examination. Some HVAC technicians are working for contractors, while others are self-employed.

Truck driver vs hvac technician salary

Truck drivers and hvac technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Truck DriverHvac Technician
Average salary$60,326$54,496
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $90,000Between $36,000 And $81,000
Highest paying CityWilmington, DEWashington, DC
Highest paying stateDelawareConnecticut
Best paying companyW. R. Grace & CoBP America Inc
Best paying industryRetailTechnology

Differences between truck driver and hvac technician education

There are a few differences between a truck driver and a hvac technician in terms of educational background:

Truck DriverHvac Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%Associate Degree, 29%
Most common majorBusinessHeating And Air Conditioning
Most common college-Dunwoody College of Technology

Truck driver vs hvac technician demographics

Here are the differences between truck drivers' and hvac technicians' demographics:

Truck DriverHvac Technician
Average age4840
Gender ratioMale, 91.6% Female, 8.4%Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage4%2%

Differences between truck driver and hvac technician duties and responsibilities

Truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
  • Flatb loads including steel and specialty metals, pipe, refractory brick, commercial building materials, lumber and equipment.
  • Follow all HAZMAT regulations while transporting hazardous materials.
  • Utilize appropriate PPE at all times.
  • Dedicate run from Tennessee to California with LTL.
  • Used proper PPE and safety equipment when need.
  • Show more

Hvac technician example responsibilities.

  • Service and maintain HVAC systems by diagnosing and repairing/replacing motors temperatures controls control panels fans switches capacitors gas valves and filters.
  • Calibrate and adjust combustion efficiency on boilers and furnaces under supervision of manager.
  • Key responsibilities include repair, maintenance and installation-including electrical wiring- of various HVAC equipment, including low pressure boilers.
  • Process work orders to repair HVAC systems and restore functionality to malfunctioning systems; perform preventative maintenance and routine servicing.
  • Inject correct amount of freon need to properly cool.
  • Debug and troubleshoot GE PLC hardware and software issues.
  • Show more

Truck driver vs hvac technician skills

Common truck driver skills
  • CDL, 47%
  • OTR, 12%
  • DOT, 10%
  • PET, 6%
  • Hazmat, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
Common hvac technician skills
  • HVAC, 15%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%
  • Ventilation, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Boilers, 4%

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