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Solid waste truck driver vs commercial truck driver

The differences between solid waste truck drivers and commercial truck drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a solid waste truck driver and a commercial truck driver. Additionally, a commercial truck driver has an average salary of $64,512, which is higher than the $38,234 average annual salary of a solid waste truck driver.

The top three skills for a solid waste truck driver include CDL, DOT and post-trip inspections. The most important skills for a commercial truck driver are CDL, good time management, and safety issues.

Solid waste truck driver vs commercial truck driver overview

Solid Waste Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Yearly salary$38,234$64,512
Hourly rate$18.38$31.02
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs627,516719,069
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Solid waste truck driver vs commercial truck driver salary

Solid waste truck drivers and commercial truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Solid Waste Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Average salary$38,234$64,512
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $49,000Between $41,000 And $100,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Tyson Foods
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between solid waste truck driver and commercial truck driver education

There are a few differences between a solid waste truck driver and a commercial truck driver in terms of educational background:

Solid Waste Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Solid waste truck driver vs commercial truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between solid waste truck drivers' and commercial truck drivers' demographics:

Solid Waste Truck DriverCommercial Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 93.7% Female, 6.3%Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 3.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between solid waste truck driver and commercial truck driver duties and responsibilities

Solid waste truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
  • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
  • Deliver customers to their destination/homes/doorsteps with luggage/baggage groceries

Commercial truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift following OSHA safety regulations and maintenance standards.
  • Work OTR for duration of lease.
  • Complete nationwide OTR training including all terrains and climates.
  • Train and mentore new CDL certify students from the company.
  • Attend licensing to learn about new laws and Hazmat industry procedures.
  • Maintain commercial driver's license (CDL) without incident or accident.
  • Show more

Solid waste truck driver vs commercial truck driver skills

Common solid waste truck driver skills
  • CDL, 42%
  • DOT, 21%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 16%
  • Maintenance Checks, 9%
  • Yard Waste, 5%
  • Traffic Laws, 3%
Common commercial truck driver skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • Good Time Management, 9%
  • Safety Issues, 9%
  • Safety Equipment, 8%
  • Federal Regulations, 7%
  • OTR, 5%

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