Post job

What is a garbage collector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a garbage collector. For example, did you know that they make an average of $13.99 an hour? That's $29,093 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 358,300 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreGarbage CollectorUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,093

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.99%

Asian 2.82%

Black or African American 13.05%

Hispanic or Latino 15.93%

Unknown 3.46%

White 62.75%

Gender

female 5.04%

male 94.96%

Age - 43
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 - 43
Stress level
8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Garbage collector career paths

Key steps to become a garbage collector

  1. Explore garbage collector education requirements

    Most common garbage collector degrees

    High School Diploma

    60.2 %

    Diploma

    21.1 %

    Associate

    6.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific garbage collector skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hoisting26.27%
    Recyclable Materials24.49%
    Maintenance Checks7.49%
    Residential Buildings7.47%
    Drive Trucks6.60%
  3. Complete relevant garbage collector training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New garbage collectors 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 garbage collector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real garbage collector resumes.
  4. Research garbage collector duties and responsibilities

    • Start hoisting device that raises refuse bin attach to rear of truck and dumps contents onto opening in enclose truck body.
    • Used pitch forks, shovels and similar hand tools to pick up general refuse and trash from curbside and other areas.
    • Return products to Comcast corporate locations
  5. Prepare your garbage collector resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your garbage collector 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 garbage collector resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable garbage collector resume templates

    Build a professional garbage collector 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 garbage collector resume.
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
    Garbage Collector Resume
  6. Apply for garbage collector jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a garbage collector 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 garbage collector job

Zippi

Are you a garbage collector?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average garbage collector salary

The average garbage collector salary in the United States is $29,093 per year or $14 per hour. Garbage collector salaries range between $21,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average garbage collector salary
$29,093 Yearly
$13.99 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do garbage collectors rate their job?

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

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