Post job

What is a dump truck driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

Dump truck drivers transport paving materials, construction supplies, dirt or garbage, and equipment to and from various site locations. You will drive trucks equipped with open beds that allow for the transportation of dirt, rocks, sand, coal, or gravel. You will also work in the yard area to stockpile and move materials as needed. This is a skilled position involving the safe and efficient operation of equipment/trucks. Your key responsibilities include supervising the loading of materials onto the truck, inspecting the truck for any mechanical issues before and after the trip, and promptly reporting any accidents and mechanical faults to the management.

A minimum of a high school diploma or GED and at least two years of experience is required for this job. You also need a valid class B commercial driver's license and a clean driving record. You should also have a working knowledge of construction site safety. You will earn an annual average salary of $39,212 annually.

ScoreDump Truck DriverUS Average
Salary
4.4

Avg. Salary $55,857

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.82%

Asian 3.82%

Black or African American 13.29%

Hispanic or Latino 16.84%

Unknown 4.78%

White 60.44%

Gender

female 9.37%

male 90.63%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress level
7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
1.4

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Dump truck driver career paths

Key steps to become a dump truck driver

  1. Explore dump truck driver education requirements

    Most common dump truck driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    50.1 %

    Diploma

    15.1 %

    Associate

    14.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific dump truck driver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL23.62%
    Asphalt18.57%
    DOT11.30%
    Post-Trip Inspections6.58%
    Safety Regulations5.62%
  3. Complete relevant dump truck driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New dump truck drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a dump truck driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real dump truck driver resumes.
  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed dump truck driver usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed dump truck driver in most of states. 13 states require dump truck drivers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    StateEducationExamLicense url
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredCommercial Driver (Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver)
    California-State exam requiredCommercial Driver License
    Idaho-State exam requiredCommercial Drivers
    Massachusetts-State exam requiredCOMMERCIAL DRIVERS
    Missouri-State exam requiredTruck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
  5. Research dump truck driver duties and responsibilities

    • Mine train and certify by MSHA.
    • Operate solo and as OTR team driver.
    • Operate excavator and bobcat to dig trenches and load dump trucks
    • Load construction debris into trailer with bobcat and deliver to the dump
  6. Prepare your dump truck driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your dump truck driver resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a dump truck driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable dump truck driver resume templates

    Build a professional dump truck driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your dump truck driver resume.
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
    Dump Truck Driver Resume
  7. Apply for dump truck driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a dump truck driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first dump truck driver job

Zippi

Are you a dump truck driver?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average dump truck driver salary

The average dump truck driver salary in the United States is $55,857 per year or $27 per hour. Dump truck driver salaries range between $43,000 and $72,000 per year.

Average dump truck driver salary
$55,857 Yearly
$26.85 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do dump truck drivers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Dump truck driver reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.

Cons

Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Pros

Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope

Cons

Cinema


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

I always want to be a good behaviour and transparency

Cons

I don't like laziness or bad behaviour or any controversy


Working as a dump truck driver? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Dump truck driver FAQs

Search for dump truck driver jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse transportation jobs