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The differences between van drivers and mates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a van driver, becoming a mate takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mate has an average salary of $38,913, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.
The top three skills for a van driver include CDL, customer service and OTR. The most important skills for a mate are safety equipment, vessel maintenance, and mates.
| Van Driver | Mate | |
| Yearly salary | $36,254 | $38,913 |
| Hourly rate | $17.43 | $18.71 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 791,293 | 301 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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 Mate is the seafaring captain's assistant in charge of the ship's welfare and crew on board. The Chief Mate is responsible for leading the team. They stabilize vessel cargo operations as well as deck crew supervision. The Second Mate focuses on navigation aspects such as updating publications and charts, directing line handlers and anchor detail, and training crew members. The Third Mate is a junior qualified watch-stander focusing on ensuring aspects of safety. Their responsibilities include ensuring equipment on board, including lifeboats and gear locker, is safe and operational.
Van drivers and mates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Van Driver | Mate | |
| Average salary | $36,254 | $38,913 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $52,000 | Between $22,000 And $66,000 |
| 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 mate in terms of educational background:
| Van Driver | Mate | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between van drivers' and mates' demographics:
| Van Driver | Mate | |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| 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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 3.1% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 11% |