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The differences between truck operators and loader operators 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 operator, becoming a loader operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a truck operator has an average salary of $39,608, which is higher than the $36,987 average annual salary of a loader operator.
The top three skills for a truck operator include CDL, industrial cleaning and customer service. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,608 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $19.04 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 667,980 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Truck Operators are individuals making a living by driving trucks and heavy goods vehicles such as articulated trucks, semi-trailers, and tankers. They are responsible for administering goods, loading and unloading into the truck, assessing the goods conditions, scheduling transport operations, arranging transport documentations, and inspecting vehicle conditions before starting work. Other duties include checking tires, fuel, oil filters, and oil levels. Truck Operators also supervise delivery operations, vehicle cleaning, tire maintenance, and refueling.
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.
Truck operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,608 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Saint Paul, MN | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Mars | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a truck operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between truck operators' and loader operators' demographics:
| Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.2% Female, 7.8% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 3.9% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |