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Waste collection driver vs lead driver

The differences between waste collection drivers and lead 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 waste collection driver and a lead driver. Additionally, a lead driver has an average salary of $43,769, which is higher than the $41,251 average annual salary of a waste collection driver.

The top three skills for a waste collection driver include DOT, OSHA and post-trip inspections. The most important skills for a lead driver are DOT, work ethic, and CDL.

Waste collection driver vs lead driver overview

Waste Collection DriverLead Driver
Yearly salary$41,251$43,769
Hourly rate$19.83$21.04
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs616,579821,463
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Waste collection driver vs lead driver salary

Waste collection drivers and lead drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Waste Collection DriverLead Driver
Average salary$41,251$43,769
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $53,000Between $27,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City-Newark, NJ
Highest paying state-New Hampshire
Best paying company-Univar
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between waste collection driver and lead driver education

There are a few differences between a waste collection driver and a lead driver in terms of educational background:

Waste Collection DriverLead Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Waste collection driver vs lead driver demographics

Here are the differences between waste collection drivers' and lead drivers' demographics:

Waste Collection DriverLead Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 92.8% Female, 7.2%Male, 86.7% Female, 13.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 4.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between waste collection driver and lead driver duties and responsibilities

Waste collection driver example responsibilities.

  • Operate automated or semi-automate hoisting devices on side loader or front loader.
  • Attend annual driver improvement classes to maintain knowledge of safety and emergency procedures of transportation hazmat products.
  • Deliver customers to their destination/homes/doorsteps with luggage/baggage groceries

Lead driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage the Lincoln driver workgroup.
  • Transport freight OTR and train drivers.
  • Train new drivers on all aspects of OTR driving.
  • Investigate driver accidents and injuries and review driver CDL license and medical cards.
  • Position require various FAA and Hazmat certifications.
  • Recognize by manager for implementing significant cost saving strategies relate to meeting drug testing requirements for CDL professionals
  • Show more

Waste collection driver vs lead driver skills

Common waste collection driver skills
  • DOT, 25%
  • OSHA, 18%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 17%
  • Waste Management, 15%
  • Minor Maintenance, 5%
  • Hazardous Materials, 5%
Common lead driver skills
  • DOT, 28%
  • Work Ethic, 16%
  • CDL, 10%
  • OTR, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Tractor Trailer, 3%

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