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The differences between van drivers and contract 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 van driver and a contract driver. Additionally, a van driver has an average salary of $36,254, which is higher than the $34,999 average annual salary of a contract driver.
The top three skills for a van driver include CDL, customer service and OTR. The most important skills for a contract driver are DOT, CDL, and tractor trailer.
| Van Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $36,254 | $34,999 |
| Hourly rate | $17.43 | $16.83 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 791,293 | 1,007,663 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A van driver is responsible for operating a wide and a larger-sized vehicle than a regular car, usually used as a company shuttle to pick up and drop employees to designated areas. Van drivers should have a clean driving record, ensuring the safety and comfortability of the passengers while on the road. They should also be familiar with the location, considering alternative routes for any road complications to avoid delays. A van driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the engine's condition, and perform repairs as necessary.
A contract driver mainly provides transport services on a contractual basis. Their duties typically depend on their contract or place of employment; they may deliver goods or provide private transport to clients. When it comes to delivering goods, a contract driver must adhere to schedules and guidelines, maintain documents, and coordinate with clients. Furthermore, a contract driver must perform regular maintenance checks on their vehicles and abide by the traffic laws and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
Van drivers and contract drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Van Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Average salary | $36,254 | $34,999 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $52,000 | Between $23,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | DVFSchool | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a van driver and a contract driver in terms of educational background:
| Van Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between van drivers' and contract drivers' demographics:
| Van Driver | Contract Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 4.0% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |