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Waste collection driver vs van driver

The differences between waste collection drivers and van 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 van driver. Additionally, a waste collection driver has an average salary of $41,251, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.

The top three skills for a waste collection driver include DOT, OSHA and post-trip inspections. The most important skills for a van driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.

Waste collection driver vs van driver overview

Waste Collection DriverVan Driver
Yearly salary$41,251$36,254
Hourly rate$19.83$17.43
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs616,579791,293
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Waste collection driver vs van driver salary

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

Waste Collection DriverVan Driver
Average salary$41,251$36,254
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $53,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-DVFSchool
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between waste collection driver and van driver education

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

Waste Collection DriverVan Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Waste collection driver vs van driver demographics

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

Waste Collection DriverVan Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 92.8% Female, 7.2%Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between waste collection driver and van 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

Van driver example responsibilities.

  • Perform basic math sufficient to process axle weights at shipping docks.
  • Maintain knowledge of first-aid procedures including CPR.
  • Plot route pickup and drop off points.
  • Have taken additional training in HAZMAT and international audit procedures.
  • Specialize in teaching reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Obtain knowledge of CDL laws and statues in accordance with the D.O.T
  • Show more

Waste collection driver vs van 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 van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%

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