As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Management Driver in the United States is $43,815 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Waste Management Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Waste Management 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 Waste Management 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 Waste Management Driver | $42,713 |
| Intermediate Level Waste Management Driver | $42,843 |
| Senior Level Waste Management Driver | $44,483 |
| Specialist Level Waste Management Driver | $46,404 |
| Expert Level Waste Management Driver | $46,541 |
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 Waste Management Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.59% |
| Bill of Materials | 2.69% |
| Equipment Operation | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$55,207 |
26%
|
|
Monitoring Progress
|
$52,578 |
20%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$52,140 |
19%
|
|
Written English
|
$51,264 |
17%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,197 |
10%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$46,882 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Waste Management 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 Waste Management Driver with a No Diploma is between $38,642 and $42,235).
Waste Management Driver Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 42.9% |
| High School | 42.9% |
| Associates | 28.6% |
| Bachelors | 28.6% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Waste Management 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 Waste Management Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $41,760 in 2023 to around $41,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Waste Management Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,760 |
| 2024 | $41,910 |
| 2025 | $41,797 |
| 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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