As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Truck Driver in the United States is $59,848 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Waste Truck Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Waste Truck Driver's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Waste Truck Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 3.27% |
| Illustrator | 3.53% |
| WordPress | 2.52% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management
|
$84,985 |
42%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$71,220 |
19%
|
|
RFP
|
$70,621 |
18%
|
|
Technical Writing
|
$66,432 |
11%
|
|
Publishing
|
$65,833 |
10%
|
|
Adobe Acrobat
|
$64,038 |
7%
|
For Waste Truck Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 36% above the average. In contrast, Waste Truck Driver positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Waste Truck Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $81,543 | $39.0 | 36% |
| Financial Services | $75,559 | $36.0 | 26% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $72,566 | $35.0 | 21% |
| Biotechnology | $69,574 | $33.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $66,581 | $32.0 | 11% |
Understanding how a Waste Truck Driver's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Waste Truck Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,306 in 2023 to around $48,997 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Waste Truck Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $49,306 |
| 2024 | $49,547 |
| 2025 | $48,997 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Waste Truck Driver roles, with salaries approximately 36% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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