Post job

Solid waste truck driver vs tow truck driver

The differences between solid waste truck drivers and tow 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 tow truck driver. Additionally, a tow truck driver has an average salary of $38,555, 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 tow truck driver are transport vehicles, CDL, and customer service.

Solid waste truck driver vs tow truck driver overview

Solid Waste Truck DriverTow Truck Driver
Yearly salary$38,234$38,555
Hourly rate$18.38$18.54
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs627,516666,918
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Solid waste truck driver vs tow truck driver salary

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

Solid Waste Truck DriverTow Truck Driver
Average salary$38,234$38,555
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $49,000Between $29,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City-Auburn, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-City of Detroit
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between solid waste truck driver and tow truck driver education

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

Solid Waste Truck DriverTow Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorBusinessAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Solid waste truck driver vs tow truck driver demographics

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

Solid Waste Truck DriverTow Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 93.7% Female, 6.3%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 3.9% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between solid waste truck driver and tow 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

Tow truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
  • Operate tow truck and equipment (dollies, go jacks).
  • Drive rollback tow truck, load and unload cars, secure cars on truck bed, operate hydraulic, maintain truck
  • Right eye injury and ineligibility for CDL )
  • Job require current CDL with clean driving record.
  • Maintain contracts with several companies as well as CHP work.
  • Show more

Solid waste truck driver vs tow 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 tow truck driver skills
  • Transport Vehicles, 22%
  • CDL, 17%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Loaders, 10%
  • AAA, 8%
  • Fuel Delivery, 5%

Browse transportation jobs