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Waste collection driver vs truck driver

The differences between waste collection drivers and 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 truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.

Waste collection driver vs truck driver overview

Waste Collection DriverTruck Driver
Yearly salary$41,251$60,326
Hourly rate$19.83$29.00
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs616,579827,858
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Waste collection driver vs truck driver salary

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

Waste Collection DriverTruck Driver
Average salary$41,251$60,326
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $53,000Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City-Wilmington, DE
Highest paying state-Delaware
Best paying company-W. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between waste collection driver and truck driver education

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

Waste Collection DriverTruck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Waste collection driver vs truck driver demographics

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

Waste Collection DriverTruck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 92.8% Female, 7.2%Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between waste collection driver and 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

Truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
  • Flatb loads including steel and specialty metals, pipe, refractory brick, commercial building materials, lumber and equipment.
  • Follow all HAZMAT regulations while transporting hazardous materials.
  • Utilize appropriate PPE at all times.
  • Dedicate run from Tennessee to California with LTL.
  • Used proper PPE and safety equipment when need.
  • Show more

Waste collection driver vs 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 truck driver skills
  • CDL, 47%
  • OTR, 12%
  • DOT, 10%
  • PET, 6%
  • Hazmat, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%

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