What garbage truck jobs involve and where to find them

Garbage truck jobs fall into two main categories: driver positions and loader or collection positions. Drivers operate the truck itself and are responsible for safety, route completion, and vehicle maintenance. Loaders (also called collection workers or sanitation workers) ride on the truck, operate the hydraulic lift or compactor, and physically handle bins. Both roles are typically full-time, often starting early in the morning—many routes begin at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.—and both offer steady paychecks with benefits.

Jobs are posted through your city or county sanitation department (if you live in a municipality that runs its own collection), through private waste management companies like Waste Management, Republic Services, or local haulers, and through general job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Craigslist. Government positions often have the most stable pay and benefits; private companies offer more locations but vary widely in pay and working conditions. Start by searching "[your city] sanitation jobs" or "[your county] public works careers" to see if your municipality is hiring directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver positions require a commercial driver's license (CDL) in most states, which you obtain through a written test and a driving test at your state's DMV; some employers will sponsor training if you don't have one yet.
  • Loader and collection worker positions typically require only a high school diploma or GED and a clean driving record, with no special license needed.
  • Municipal (city or county) jobs usually offer better pay, pension benefits, and job security than private waste companies, but have longer hiring processes and may require a written civil service exam.
  • Physical demands are significant—the job involves lifting, climbing, repetitive motion, and exposure to weather and odor—so employers often require a medical exam and may screen for back or joint problems.
  • Most positions start at entry level with on-the-job training lasting a few weeks to a few months before you work independently.

CDL requirements for driver positions

If you want to drive the truck, you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) in most states. A CDL is different from a regular driver's license and requires passing a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The written test covers vehicle safety, air brakes, and hazmat (hazardous materials) rules. The driving test happens in an actual commercial truck and lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

You can study for the written test using your state's CDL manual (free online) and practice tests. Many people pass the written test on their first or second try. The driving test is harder and often requires practice; some people pass on the first attempt, others need two or three tries. The whole process—studying, testing, and retesting if needed—typically takes one to three months.

Some waste management companies will hire you as a loader first, then sponsor your CDL training once you've proven you're reliable. Others require the CDL before you explore. Ask during the interview whether they sponsor training. If they do, you may attend a company-run school or a private CDL school, and the company may pay the tuition (usually $3,000 to $7,000) in exchange for a commitment to work there for a set period.

What municipal jobs require versus private company jobs

Municipal sanitation departments (run by your city or county) and private waste companies have different hiring paths. Municipal jobs almost always require you to pass a civil service exam—a written test that measures reading, math, mechanical reasoning, and sometimes safety knowledge. You study using a study guide (often free from the municipality), take the test at a scheduled date, and your score goes on a hiring list. If you score high enough, you're called for an interview and a medical exam. The whole process can take three to six months.

Private companies usually skip the civil service exam and move straight to an process, interview, and medical exam. Their process is faster—sometimes two to four weeks—but the job itself may be less stable. Municipal jobs come with pension benefits, health insurance, and job security (you can't be fired without cause); private companies offer benefits too, but they vary widely and job security depends on the company's financial health and contracts.

Pay also differs. Municipal sanitation workers in large cities often earn $45,000 to $65,000 per year with overtime; private company workers in the same area might earn $35,000 to $50,000. However, private companies are present in more locations, so if you live in a rural area, a private hauler may be your only option.

Physical demands and medical screening

Garbage truck work is physically demanding. You'll lift heavy bins (often 50 to 100 pounds), climb on and off a moving truck, work in all weather, and repeat the same motions thousands of times per week. Over time, this causes wear on the back, knees, and shoulders. Employers screen for these risks by requiring a medical exam before you're hired. The exam includes a physical assessment, sometimes a drug test, and occasionally imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) of your back or joints.

If you have a history of back injury, knee surgery, or shoulder problems, you may be flagged during the medical exam. Some employers will still hire you; others will not. Be honest about your medical history on the process—lying can disqualify you later if an injury occurs on the job and your employer discovers you concealed a pre-existing condition.

Once hired, most employers require you to lift no more than a certain weight (often 75 pounds) and provide safety training on proper lifting technique, use of the hydraulic lift, and hazard awareness. Many also offer workers' compensation insurance, which covers injuries that happen on the job.

On-the-job training and advancement

New hires typically start with two to four weeks of classroom and on-truck training. You'll learn the route, the equipment, safety procedures, and customer service (how to handle complaints or special requests). You'll ride with an experienced worker or supervisor, then gradually take on more responsibility. After the training period, you work independently, though a supervisor checks in regularly.

Advancement usually means moving from loader to driver (if you don't already have a CDL) or from driver to supervisor or mechanic. Some municipalities and larger private companies offer tuition reimbursement for further education or certifications. A few workers move into dispatch, route planning, or management roles after several years.

Pay, benefits, and schedule

Pay varies by location, employer, and role. Loaders in small towns might earn $28,000 to $35,000 per year; drivers in large cities might earn $55,000 to $75,000. Most positions include overtime pay (often time-and-a-half), and many workers earn significant overtime during busy seasons or when routes are understaffed. Municipal jobs almost always include health insurance, a pension, and paid time off; private companies vary.

The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with routes starting very early (4 a.m. to 6 a.m.) and finishing by early afternoon (noon to 2 p.m.). Some companies offer Saturday routes or evening shifts, but these are less common. The early start is a major factor in the job—if you're not a morning person, this work will be difficult.

how the process works and what to prepare

For municipal jobs, start by visiting your city or county's careers page or public works department website. Look for "sanitation worker," "collection worker," or "refuse collector" positions. When a job is posted, you'll see the civil service exam date. Register for the exam, study using the provided guide, and take the test. After you pass, you'll be contacted for an interview.

For private companies, go to their careers page (Waste Management, Republic Services, and local haulers all have them) or search Indeed for "garbage truck jobs near me." explore online, and a recruiter will contact you within a few days to a week. Have ready a clean driving record (no major violations in the past three to five years), references from previous employers, and a willingness to work early mornings.

Before you interview, research the company's safety record and employee reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed. Ask during the interview about the medical exam process, training length, pay structure, and whether they sponsor CDL training if you need it. Also ask about injury rates and what happens if you're injured on the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to get a garbage truck job?

Most employers require a high school diploma or GED for any position. Some private companies may hire without one if you have several years of related work experience, but municipal jobs almost always require it. Check the job posting to be sure.

What if I have a DUI or traffic violations on my record?

A single traffic ticket usually won't disqualify you, but a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple violations within the past three to five years will. Employers run a driving record check because you'll be operating a large vehicle on public roads. If you have a serious violation, ask the employer directly whether you're disqualified before you explore.

How long does it take to get hired from process to first day?

For private companies, typically two to six weeks. For municipal jobs, it can take three to six months because of the civil service exam and hiring list process. If you're in a hurry, private companies move faster, but municipal jobs are worth the wait if you value job security and benefits.

Can I work part-time as a garbage truck driver or loader?

Most garbage truck jobs are full-time only. The routes require a consistent crew, and part-time workers would disrupt scheduling. Some small private haulers may offer part-time work, but it's rare. Check with local companies directly if part-time is essential for you.

What happens if I get injured on the job?

You're covered by workers' compensation insurance, which pays for medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages while you recover. You must report the injury to your supervisor when ready and file a claim with your employer's insurance. Keep all medical records and follow up regularly with your doctor to document your recovery.