Vehicle operator vs starting gate driver

The differences between vehicle operators and starting gate drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a starting gate driver has an average salary of $51,585, which is higher than the $51,505 average annual salary of a vehicle operator.

Vehicle operator vs starting gate driver overview

	Vehicle Operator	Starting Gate Driver
Yearly salary	$51,505	$51,585
Hourly rate	$24.76	$24.80
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	27,441	6,045
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 56%
Average age	54	54
Years of experience	-	-

Vehicle operator vs starting gate driver salary

Vehicle operators and starting gate drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Vehicle Operator	Starting Gate Driver
Average salary	$51,505	$51,585
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $108,000	Between $24,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City	Mountain View, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Tesla	-
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between vehicle operator and starting gate driver education

There are a few differences between a vehicle operator and a starting gate driver in terms of educational background:

	Vehicle Operator	Starting Gate Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Vehicle operator vs starting gate driver demographics

Here are the differences between vehicle operators' and starting gate drivers' demographics:

	Vehicle Operator	Starting Gate Driver
Average age	54	54
Gender ratio	Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%	Male, 78.9% Female, 21.1%
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 starting gate driver 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).

Starting gate driver example responsibilities.

Receive and implement combat orders and direct deployment of personnel in offensive, defensive and retrograde operations.
Answer all guests' questions about attractions, food, resorts, transportation and rides.

Vehicle operator vs starting gate driver skills

Common vehicle operator skills

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

Common starting gate driver skills

Vehicle Operator vs. similar jobs

Vehicle Operator related careers

Vehicle Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

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Transportation Industry
Vehicle Operator
Vehicle Operator vs Starting Gate Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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