As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Solid Waste Driver in the United States is $53,522 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Solid Waste Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Solid Waste 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Solid Waste Driver's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Solid Waste Driver | $51,495 |
| Intermediate Level Solid Waste Driver | $51,852 |
| Senior Level Solid Waste Driver | $52,352 |
| Specialist Level Solid Waste Driver | $53,248 |
| Expert Level Solid Waste Driver | $55,075 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Solid Waste Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 17.14% |
| Safety Administration | 2.21% |
| CPR | 1.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$58,875 |
10%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$56,198 |
5%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$55,663 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$55,128 |
3%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$55,128 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,593 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Solid Waste Drivers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Solid Waste Driver with a No Diploma is between $51,637 and $55,371).
Solid Waste Driver Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 76.9% |
| Associates | 8.9% |
| Bachelors | 6.8% |
| Masters | 2.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a Solid Waste 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Solid Waste Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,013 in 2023 to around $46,423 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Solid Waste Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $48,013 |
| 2024 | $46,928 |
| 2025 | $46,423 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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