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Waste collection driver vs professional truck driver

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

Waste collection driver vs professional truck driver overview

Waste Collection DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Yearly salary$41,251$48,577
Hourly rate$19.83$23.35
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs616,579739,437
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 32%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Waste collection driver vs professional truck driver salary

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

Waste Collection DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Average salary$41,251$48,577
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $53,000Between $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 waste collection driver and professional truck driver education

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

Waste Collection DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Waste collection driver vs professional truck driver demographics

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

Waste Collection DriverProfessional Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 92.8% Female, 7.2%Male, 84.3% Female, 15.7%
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, 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 waste collection driver and professional truck 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

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

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

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