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Solid waste truck driver vs professional truck driver

The differences between solid waste truck drivers and professional 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 professional truck driver. Additionally, a professional truck driver has an average salary of $48,577, 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 professional truck driver are CDL, safety regulations, and on-time delivery.

Solid waste truck driver vs professional truck driver overview

Solid Waste Truck DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Yearly salary$38,234$48,577
Hourly rate$18.38$23.35
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs627,516739,437
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 32%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Solid waste truck driver vs professional truck driver salary

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

Solid Waste Truck DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Average salary$38,234$48,577
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $49,000Between $33,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Rhode Island
Best paying company-Wellpath
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between solid waste truck driver and professional truck driver education

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

Solid Waste Truck DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Solid waste truck driver vs professional truck driver demographics

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

Solid Waste Truck DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 93.7% Female, 6.3%Male, 84.3% Female, 15.7%
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, 14.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between solid waste truck driver and professional 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

Professional truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Maintain current commercial driver's license (CDL).
  • Perform equipment inspections, load and unload liquid HazMat.
  • Select as OTR driver certify in tanker, double and triple.
  • Diversify freight transportation OTR, as well as business and home delivery.
  • Train students and company employees in professional truck driving leading to student acquiring CDL.
  • Truck driving/safety checks on all equipment and cargo/The on time pickup and delivery of cargo
  • Show more

Solid waste truck driver vs professional 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 professional truck driver skills
  • CDL, 17%
  • Safety Regulations, 15%
  • On-Time Delivery, 10%
  • OTR, 7%
  • Vehicle Service, 6%
  • Semi, 5%

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