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The differences between van drivers and truck 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 truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.
| Van Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $36,254 | $60,326 |
| Hourly rate | $17.43 | $29.00 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 791,293 | 827,858 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| 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.
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.
Van drivers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Van Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average salary | $36,254 | $60,326 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $52,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Delaware |
| Best paying company | DVFSchool | W. R. Grace & Co |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Retail |
There are a few differences between a van driver and a truck driver in terms of educational background:
| Van Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between van drivers' and truck drivers' demographics:
| Van Driver | Truck Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| 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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |