How Much Do Garbage Truck Drivers Make in the U.S.

The average Garbage Truck Driver in the US makes $43,319. 100% of garbage truck drivers say they receive a bonus each year, and the average bonus for one is $2,500, or 6% of their annual salary. Garbage truck drivers in San Francisco earn an average total compensation that is $60,979, which is 41% higher than the national average.

Want to be a garbage truck driver? Is being a garbage man hard work? Can a woman be a garbage collector? 

Don’t worry, I will answer all the questions in the following post, please read on.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Information

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salaries under this profession as “Garbage Collector.” This is a broad classification, so it’s safe to say that it will also include the collector and “helper,” or actual collector of garbage.

The statistics given shows the following information:

  • 9,400 number of jobs
  • 6% unemployment rate
  • $33,660 median salary

An inside look at the sector is offered by this information. The salary is probably a little bit higher than the figures given, but since this information is also from 2014, it would be comparable to the other figures given.

The salary information goes a little deeper, too:

  • The lowest 25th percentile of workers in this field earned $24,430
  • The top 75th percentile of workers earned $44,790

Consequently, based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2014, we have a salary that ranges between $24,430 and $44,790.

Putting It All Together

The range of salaries a person can earn as a garbage truck driver is fairly well illustrated by the information provided. We’ll ignore the extreme case of a driver making $112,000 a year because he works for a private waste management company in the heart of New York, where there is a great need for experienced drivers.

The information we have shows the following ranges:

  • Hourly Compensation: An hourly compensation of $10 – $27
  • Annual Salary: An annual salary of $24,430 – $54,800

We have a wage of $18.5 per hour and a salary of $39,615 per year, so if we want to try and average them out, those are the numbers. Drivers in the industry are paid more for their experience, and to work in the field, a driver must be able to pass rigorous background checks.

Is Being a Garbage Man Hard Work?

After placing their trash on the curb, most people don’t give it another thought. To ensure that our trash is disposed of properly, there are individuals who put in a lot of effort. These individuals, who gather our waste and transport it to the landfill, are frequently referred to as garbage men. Despite the fact that it might seem like a straightforward task, it can be very physically taxing. The daily lifting of heavy trash cans is required of garbage men who frequently work in bad weather. Because of this, their work can be quite demanding. However, these employees are responsible for the prompt and effective removal of our trash.

How Much Do Garbage Truck Drivers Make in the U.S.
How Much Do Garbage Truck Drivers Make in the U.S.?

What is the Proper Name for Garbage Man?

A waste collector, also referred to as a garbageman or trashman, is someone who works for a public or private company to collect and dispose of municipal solid waste. Waste collectors typically work in two teams, with each team in charge of collecting trash along a particular route. In some circumstances, recycling may fall under the purview of waste collectors. Lifting bulky garbage bags and negotiating congested streets are two physically taxing tasks associated with the job of a waste collector. However, it is a necessary task that contributes to keeping our cities clean.

Can a Woman Be a Garbage Collector?

The need for workplace diversity has grown recently, with a focus on ensuring that women have equal access to all job types. Garbage collection is a profession that traditionally favors men. But more women are now employed as garbage collectors than ever before. Women can succeed in this role despite the physical demands of the job. Garbage collectors make a good living in addition to offering a vital service to the neighborhood. The proportion of female garbage truck drivers and collectors is likely to increase as more women enter the workforce.

What Are the Duties of a Garbage Man?

Picking up waste and recyclables and taking them to a landfill, sorting facility, or recycling center are the responsibilities of a garbage collector. You could pick up trash from either commercial or residential buildings in this line of work. The trash will be gathered and dumped into the back of a truck using a truck. Then you will operate the truck to the recycling facility, sorting facility, or landfill.

The trash will be disposed of in the proper container once you reach your destination. Before you dump the trash, some facilities might ask you to sort it. Physical labor is required for this position because you will be loading and unloading a truck for extended periods of time. However, it is a necessary task that contributes to keeping our neighborhoods tidy.

How Does a Garbage Truck Work?

Garbage trucks are created specifically to collect and transport household waste. There are a few common features that the majority of garbage trucks have, despite the fact that the specifics may vary depending on the model. In the beginning, they have a sizable hopper for collecting garbage. Normally found at the back of the truck, the hopper can be opened and shut using hydraulic levers. A hydraulic press compacts the trash after it has been removed using a trash scoop. This makes it simpler to fit more into the truck by reducing the amount of space the trash requires. The trash is finally dumped into a landfill or an incinerator.

Even though garbage trucks may appear to be straightforward machines, they actually use a lot of energy to run. Up to 200 horsepower may be required just to run the hydraulic press. So, among the biggest and heaviest vehicles on the road are garbage trucks. Most cities only permit them to operate during specific hours (typically early in the morning), as they are cumbersome to maneuver. However, trash trucks are crucial to maintaining the cleanliness and security of our cities.

Conclusion

Drivers of garbage trucks are vital members of our communities and receive a respectable salary. Although physically demanding, the job may not be suitable for everyone. If you want to drive a garbage truck, you should learn about the requirements and make sure you are up for the challenge.

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