Table of Contents Show
If you are seeking jobs that pay well without a degree, a Garbage Truck Driver is the best idea. You may further seek to know a garbage truck driver’s salary and even salaries in big cities like California and Texas.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a Garbage Truck Driver. For example, did you know that they make an average of $26.94 an hour? That’s $56,032 a year!
Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 99,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
So, grasp the opportunity, because this article will answer your questions on how to get started on this new career route.
Those who read this article end up reading: Truck Dispatcher Salary in the US | How Much Do Truck Dispatchers Make in 2023?
What is a Garbage Truck Driver?
The garbage truck driver is responsible for collecting trash from residential and commercial areas.
They inspect and maintain trucks and equipment to ensure safe and reliable use. They deposit trash at landfills or recycling centers.
A garbage truck driver operates a front-end loader truck with mechanical arms for loading and unloading trash. However, there are times the driver needs to carry trash into the truck by hand. They may also have to report sanitation problems so that they can be addressed.
The primary qualifications are a valid driver’s license and a minimum of a high school diploma. A garbage truck driver must know their way around their route of duty.
They must also be safety compliant and possess customer service skills. The salary of a garbage truck driver is determined by their years of experience. An experienced garbage truck driver can earn up to $22 per hour.
Check Out: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas | 2023
What Do Garbage Truck Drivers Do?
As a garbage truck driver, your job is to drive a large vehicle and collect trash, recycling, or yard waste from cans and dumpsters on a set route.
You then take the load to a landfill or recycling center.
See Also: Supply Chain Analyst Salary in US | How Much Do Supply Chain Analyst Make in 2023?
Garbage Truck Driver Job Duties
Garbage truck drivers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Maintaining safety during loading and unloading operations by using appropriate safety equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots
- Reporting any accidents or injuries that occur on the job site to supervisors
- Inspecting trucks before and after work to ensure they are functioning properly
- Collecting garbage cans from residences or businesses and transporting them to the dump site
- Performing basic maintenance tasks such as changing the oil in the truck’s engine or replacing tires
- Operating trucks fitted with specialized equipment such as compaction equipment, forklifts, and cranes
- Communicating with supervisors regarding pick up schedules and route changes
- Collecting recyclables from businesses and homes, including cardboard boxes and paper products such as cans and bottles
- Collecting and disposing of hazardous materials such as paint, gasoline, pesticides, and cleaning products
Also Read: Senior Analyst Salary in 2023 | How Much Does a Senior Analyst Make?
Garbage Truck Driver Job Requirements
A garbage truck driver typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education
A high school diploma or GED certificate is usually required for garbage truck drivers. Candidates who have completed a vocational program or a community college course in driving heavy vehicles may be preferred by some businesses.
Training & Experience
On-the-job training is provided to the majority of garbage truck drivers. This training usually lasts a few weeks and covers both corporate regulations and procedures as well as how to operate the truck.
Certifications & Licenses
A commercial driver’s license is required for garbage truck drivers (CDL). You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license for at least 6 months, and pass all components of the CDL test to obtain a CDL. Then you must pass the CDL driving test in its entirety.
Many employers prefer candidates who have passed a CDL training course.
Read Also: UX Researcher Salary in the US | How Much Do UX Researchers Make in 2023?
Garbage Truck Driver Skills
Garbage truck drivers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Driving skills
To handle such enormous vehicles through city streets and residential neighborhoods, garbage truck drivers must have exceptional driving skills.
They must be capable of driving safely and efficiently in order to complete their routes on time.
Communication skills
Drivers of garbage trucks must be able to interact with their managers and coworkers. They must also be able to converse with the general public as well as other road users.
This involves the ability to successfully read and write, as well as the ability to talk clearly and coherently.
Read Also: Talent Acquisition Specialist Salary in 2023
Attention to detail
Garbage truck drivers must be detail-oriented in order to complete their routes on schedule and without missing any stops.
This can entail examining the truck’s weight to verify it is not overloaded, as well as inspecting the contents to ensure they are properly sorted.
Garbage truck drivers can benefit from paying attention to detail to ensure that they do not cause any damage to property or injure anyone while driving.
Physical fitness
Garbage truck drivers are frequently required to operate outside in all types of weather. Physical fitness can assist individuals in being healthy and safe while on the job.
They may also be required to lift large objects, such as garbage cans, and drive for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift
Garbage truck drivers frequently have to load large goods into the truck, such as garbage cans and recycling bins.
They must also be capable of lifting hefty garbage bags and other stuff. For garbage truck drivers, the ability to move big objects is critical.
Also Check Out: ABA Therapist Salary in the US | How Much Do ABA Therapists Make in 2023?
Are Garbage truck Drivers well paid?
The answer is yes, garbage truck drivers are well paid. This is a job that pays well without a degree.
The national average of a garbage truck driver’s salary is an average of $26.94 an hour? That’s $56,032 a year.
Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 99,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
Also Read: Endodontist Salary in the US | How Much Do Endodontists Make in 2023?
How Much Do Garbage Truck Drivers Make in The U.S?
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $82,000 | $6,833 | $39 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,000 | $5,667 | $33 |
| Average | $56,032 | $4,669 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $22 |
| 10th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
How much is a Garbage Truck Drivers salary in a Year?
As of Jun 1, 2022, the average annual pay for a Garbage Truck Driver in the United States is $41,794 a year.
In case you need a quick salary calculation, that works out to be around $20.09 per hour. This works out to $804 each week or $3,483 per month.
While annual salaries for Garbage Truck Drivers range from $33,500 (25th percentile) to $48,000 (75th percentile) on ZipRecruiter, the majority of Garbage Truck Driver salaries currently range from $33,500 (25th percentile) to $48,000 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $56,500 annually across the United States.
The typical compensation for a garbage truck driver varies substantially (up to $14,500), implying that there may be several prospects for growth and increased pay depending on skill level, region, and years of experience.
A Garbage Truck Driver in your area makes on average $41,851 per year or $57 (0%) more than the national average annual salary of $41,794. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Garbage Truck Driver salaries.
To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Garbage Truck Driver jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.
Read Also: How Much Does a Pharmacist Salary in New Jersey? 2023 Pharmacist Salary in New Jersey
How much is a garbage truck driver’s salary in a month?
According to ZipRecruiter, a garbage truck driver’s salary is $803 /week or $3,482 /month As of Jun 1, 2022.
However, this garbage truck driver’s salary is based on experience and location.
See Also: 25 High Paying Jobs in Texas | 2023
How much does a garbage truck drivers make per hour?
According to zippia.com, on February 9, 2022. The average hourly pay for a garbage truck driver is $26.94 hourly.
However, As of Jun 1, 2022, the average hourly pay for a Garbage Truck Driver in the United States is $20 /hour according to ZipRecruiter.
Also Read: 25 Best Jobs In Oklahoma For 2023
Garbage Truck Drivers’ Salary Based On Location
Garbage Truck Driver Average Salary By State
Garbage truck driver salary Florida
How much does a Garbage Truck Driver make in Florida?
The average Garbage Truck Driver’s salary in Florida is $41,765 as of May 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $35,593 and $49,083
Garbage truck driver salary in California
How much does a Garbage Truck Driver make in California?
The average Garbage Truck Driver salary in California is $49,107 as of May 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $41,850 and $57,712.
Garbage truck driver salary in new york
How much does a Garbage Truck Driver make in New York, NY?
The average Garbage Truck Driver’s salary in New York, NY is $52,888 as of May 27, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $45,072 and $62,155.
Waste Management garbage truck driver salary
The typical WM Garbage Truck Driver’s salary is $23 per hour. Garbage Truck Driver salaries at WM can range from $12 – $84 per hour.
This estimate is based upon 70 WM Garbage Truck Driver salary report(s) provided by employees or estimated based upon statistical methods
Read: 25 Best Jobs in Hawaii For 2023
What are the Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Garbage Truck Driver Jobs?
We found ten cities where the average wage for a Garbage Truck Driver is higher than the national average.
San Francisco, CA is at the top of the list, with Fremont, CA and San Jose, CA coming in second and third, respectively. San Jose, CA, outperforms the national average by $5,919 (14.2%), while San Francisco, CA, outperforms the national average by another $8,833 (21.1%).
With these 10 cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a Garbage Truck Driver appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
Finally, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top ten cities varies very little at 9% between San Francisco, CA and Barnstable Town, MA, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement.
The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a Garbage Truck Driver role.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $50,627 | $4,219 | $974 | $24.34 |
| Fremont, CA | $49,366 | $4,114 | $949 | $23.73 |
| San Jose, CA | $47,713 | $3,976 | $918 | $22.94 |
| Oakland, CA | $47,239 | $3,937 | $908 | $22.71 |
| Jackson, WY | $47,111 | $3,926 | $906 | $22.65 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $46,387 | $3,866 | $892 | $22.30 |
| Hayward, CA | $46,339 | $3,862 | $891 | $22.28 |
| Seattle, WA | $46,097 | $3,841 | $886 | $22.16 |
| Vallejo, CA | $45,978 | $3,832 | $884 | $22.10 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $45,957 | $3,830 | $884 | $22.09 |
We found at least five jobs related to the Garbage Truck Driver job category that pay more per year than a typical Garbage Truck Driver’s salary. Top examples of these roles include Independent Truck Driver, TEAM Truck Driver, and Company Truck Driver.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $32,372 (77.5%) and $53,192 (127.3%) more than the average Garbage Truck Driver’s salary of $41,794.
If you’re qualified, getting hired for one of these related Garbage Truck Driver jobs may help you make more money than the average Garbage Truck Driver position.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Truck Driver | $94,986 | $7,916 | $1,827 | $45.67 |
| TEAM Truck Driver | $90,414 | $7,534 | $1,739 | $43.47 |
| Company Truck Driver | $81,968 | $6,831 | $1,576 | $39.41 |
| CDL TEAM Truck Driver | $77,172 | $6,431 | $1,484 | $37.10 |
| Oil Field Truck Driver | $74,166 | $6,180 | $1,426 | $35.66 |
Garbage Truck Driver Salary By Year
Garbage Truck Drivers’ Salary Based On Level
Years of experience
| Level of experience | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (less than 1 year) | $30,751 |
| Early career (1 to 4 years) | $37,474 |
| Mid-career (5 to 9 years) | $47,197 |
| Experienced (10 to 19 years) | $58,986 |
Garbage Truck Drivers’ Salary At Entry Level
As of Jun 1, 2022, the average annual pay for an Entry Level Dump Truck Driver in the United States is $46,668 a year.
Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $22.44 an hour. This is the equivalent of $897/week or $3,889/month.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $72,000 and as low as $22,500, the majority of Entry Level Dump Truck Driver salaries currently range between $36,000 (25th percentile) to $52,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $65,000 annually across the United States.
The average pay range for an Entry Level Dump Truck Driver varies greatly (by as much as $16,000), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.
Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Entry Level Dump Truck Driver job market in both Chicago, IL and the surrounding area is very active.
An Entry Level Dump Truck Driver in your area makes on average $48,014 per year or $1,346 (3%) more than the national average annual salary of $46,668. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Entry Level Dump Truck Driver salaries.
To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Entry Level Dump Truck Driver jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.
Also Read: RBT Salary in the USA | How Much Does Registered Behavior Technician Make?
Garbage Truck Drivers’ Salary At Senior Level
According to Glassdoor, the salary trajectory of a Garbage Truck Driver ranges between locations and employers.
The salary starts at $56,016 per year and goes up to $93,883 per year for the highest level of seniority.
Read Also: 25 High Paying Jobs in Michigan | 2023
Garbage Truck Drivers’ Salary In the US Based On Field
Average Job Salary by Field
Driver
Avg. salary: $32,528
Drivers are in charge of carrying people, packages, and things from one location to another in a safe manner.
They should be aware of the various paths that might be pursued to achieve the desired result. They should be skilled navigators who may rely on navigation apps to assist them.
They should also be knowledgeable about the vehicle’s fundamental mechanics, as well as the necessary maintenance and cleaning to keep it in good working order.
Drivers must have outstanding customer service abilities, a strong sense of direction, and excellent organizational skills.
Also Check Out: 25 Best Jobs In Alaska For 2023
CDL Driver
Avg. salary: $58,020
The transportation of items from the manufacturing warehouse to particular store locations is the responsibility of a CDL driver.
Inspection of items before and after delivery to ensure that orders are correct and quantity is correct, providing proof of delivery from receiving customers, adhering to the delivery schedule and reporting any delays immediately, monitoring the vehicle’s engine for efficiency, and escalating concerns about incorrect deliveries and defective items are among the responsibilities of CDL drivers.
A CDL driver must have outstanding time management and multitasking skills, as well as the ability to adhere to all safety protocols and road restrictions.
Local Driver
Avg. salary: $48,429
People, commodities, and services are transported from distribution facilities to various destinations by a local driver. Local drivers operate cars and evaluate the engine for any inconsistencies or system flaws that could cause operations to be delayed.
They also plan vehicle maintenance and repairs and keep track of receipts for management’s approval.
A local driver must be a skilled driver with a spotless driving record. A local driver should also have great communication skills, particularly when it comes to dealing with clients’ questions and concerns, as well as escalating high-level complaints.
Lead Driver
Avg. salary: $42,230
Lead drivers work for a logistics or trucking company and are in charge of supervising the company’s staff drivers.
These lead drivers are responsible for managing driver-to-driver contact as well as generating dispatch reports based on their drivers’ tracking logs.
They must examine engines and maintain adequate fluid levels in all vehicles to verify that they are fit for operation according to Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines.
Lead drivers are also responsible for informing and supervising new drivers on corporate policies and safety laws.
Truck Driver-Over-The-Road
Avg. salary: $68,874
A professional driver who specializes in moving commodities such as large freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery sites is known as an over-the-road truck driver (OTR).
Due to the large distances, they must travel, OTR truck drivers typically spend more time on the road. OTR drivers are obliged to inspect their vehicles and review shipping and transit papers to avoid vehicle failures and delays.
They’re also in charge of unloading cargo and collecting fees from customers.
More: 25 Highest Paying Jobs In California For 2023
Van Driver
Avg. salary: $32,764
A van driver is in charge of driving a vehicle that is wider and larger than a conventional car, which is typically employed as a company shuttle to pick up and drop off personnel at defined locations.
Van drivers should have a clean driving record to ensure the passengers’ safety and comfort while on the road.
They should also be familiar with the area, taking alternate routes in case of road problems to reduce delays.
A van driver must have a thorough understanding of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to evaluate the engine’s condition and make repairs as needed.
Average Salary By Related Field
Factors Affecting Garbage Truck Drivers’ Salary In The United States
Since a college degree is not really needed to become a garbage truck driver, there are two basic factors that affect a garbage truck drivers salary.
Location
Where you live has an impact on how much money you can make as a garbage truck driver. Working in a major city usually entails a higher salary as well as a higher cost of living.
Years of Experience
Increases in pay are frequently tied to your level of experience. The longer you work as a truck dispatcher, the more money you may expect to earn.
Conclusion
As a garbage truck driver, your job is to drive a large vehicle and collect trash, recycling, or yard waste from cans and dumpsters on a set route.
Garbage truck drivers’ salary is very attractive even with no degree. There are an estimated 4.5 million garbage truck drivers in the United States, an all-time high, with 711,000 employer and self-employed trucking operations.
Frequently Asked Questions On Garbage Truck Driver Salary
How much do garbage truck driver’s make in New York?
How much does a Garbage Truck Driver make in New York, NY? The average Garbage Truck Driver’s salary in New York, NY is $52,888 as of May 27, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $45,072 and $62,155.
How much does a garbage truck driver make in Florida?
How much does a Garbage Truck Driver make in Florida? The average Garbage Truck Driver’s salary in Florida is $41,657 as of April 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $35,502 and $48,957
What is the salary of a garbage truck driver in USA?
The salaries of Garbage Truck Drivers in the US range from $10,126 to $207,168, with a median salary of $37,850. The middle 57% of Garbage Truck Drivers make between $37,850 and $94,161, with the top 86% making $207,168
FAQs
What is the salary of a garbage truck driver in USA?
The salaries of Garbage Truck Drivers in the US range from $10,126 to $207,168, with a median salary of $37,850. The middle 57% of Garbage Truck Drivers make between $37,850 and $94,161, with the top 86% making $207,168
How much does a garbage truck driver make in Florida?
How much does a Garbage Truck Driver make in Florida? The average Garbage Truck Driver’s salary in Florida is $41,657 as of April 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $35,502 and $48,957
How much do garbage truck driver's make in New York?
How much does a Garbage Truck Driver make in New York, NY? The average Garbage Truck Driver’s salary in New York, NY is $52,888 as of May 27, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $45,072 and $62,155.
References
- www.zippia.com– AVERAGE GARBAGE TRUCK DRIVER SALARY
- ziprecruiter.com– Garbage Truck Driver Salary
- www.ziprecruiter.com– Entry Level Dump Truck Driver Salary
Recommendations
