Vehicle operator vs motor vehicle operator

The differences between vehicle operators and motor vehicle operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a vehicle operator has an average salary of $51,505, which is higher than the $51,498 average annual salary of a motor vehicle operator.

The top three skills for a vehicle operator include CDL, tractor trailer and safety regulations. The most important skills for a motor vehicle operator are motor vehicle, CDL, and patients.

Vehicle operator vs motor vehicle operator overview

	Vehicle Operator	Motor Vehicle Operator
Yearly salary	$51,505	$51,498
Hourly rate	$24.76	$24.76
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	27,441	27,666
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	54	54
Years of experience	-	-

What does a vehicle operator do?

The vehicle operator focuses on operating various kinds of vehicles, ranging from 4-wheels to heavy trucks and vans. Usually, vehicle operators deliver supplies, materials, and personnel to the intended destination. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator that all deliverables are shipped safely and on time. It is also required for the vehicle operator to maintain vehicles assigned to them and ensure their safety on the road. The vehicle operator must have a professional license and adequate experience handling heavy vehicles such as trucks and vans.

What does a motor vehicle operator do?

Motor vehicle operators are skilled employees tasked by an organization to operate company vehicles to deliver and transport people, supplies, records, and materials. These operators must be able to drive a variety of vehicles such as trucks, buses, wreckers, and tractors over various types of terrain and roadways. They must provide maintenance and manual labor to check for adequate fuel supply or the vehicles' battery conditions. Motor vehicle operators must also keep logs of vehicle usage while maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment for the vehicles.

Vehicle operator vs motor vehicle operator salary

Vehicle operators and motor vehicle operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Vehicle Operator	Motor Vehicle Operator
Average salary	$51,505	$51,498
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $108,000	Between $24,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City	Mountain View, CA	Palo Alto, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Tesla	General Dynamics Mission Systems
Best paying industry	Government	Government

Differences between vehicle operator and motor vehicle operator education

There are a few differences between a vehicle operator and a motor vehicle operator in terms of educational background:

	Vehicle Operator	Motor Vehicle Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Vehicle operator vs motor vehicle operator demographics

Here are the differences between vehicle operators' and motor vehicle operators' demographics:

	Vehicle Operator	Motor Vehicle Operator
Average age	54	54
Gender ratio	Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%	Male, 85.8% Female, 14.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 4.8% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%	Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 4.8% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between vehicle operator and motor vehicle operator duties and responsibilities

Vehicle operator example responsibilities.

Obtain military CDL license and OSHA forklift license.
Comply with the highest standards of safety, and HAZMAT handling procedures.
Provide shuttle service to wound service members, their family and DOD civilians.
Obtain CDL licenses [] and become operator and responsible for the safe transportation of all vehicles.
Utilize a GPS navigation system, street maps, and self-knowledge of areas to maneuver through routes efficiently.
Secure cargo against damage and inclement weathers, and operate vehicle component material handling equipment (MHE).

Motor vehicle operator example responsibilities.

Utilize HAZMAT procedures to ensure proper handling.
Conduct CDL drivers' applicant driving tests for employment.
Monitor and document equipment efficiency via on-board GPS tracking program.
Conduct 1st echelon maintenance on vehicles to maintain operational status and maintain vehicle cleanliness.
Transport hazardous material within the OSHA and Hazmat safety guidelines while utilizing appropriate material identification.
Show perseverance during continuous combat support operations, supplying ammunition in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan.

Vehicle operator vs motor vehicle operator skills

Common vehicle operator skills

CDL, 25%
Tractor Trailer, 13%
Safety Regulations, 12%
Cleanliness, 6%
Routine Maintenance, 4%
Forklifts, 3%

Common motor vehicle operator skills

Motor Vehicle, 24%
CDL, 11%
Patients, 7%
Veterans, 6%
Safety Rules, 6%
Dump Truck, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Vehicle Operator
Vehicle Operator vs Motor Vehicle Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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