Average salary for Garbage truck drivers
The hourly wage for driving a dump truck depends on factors such as load and location.
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Dump truck drivers are part of the heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver career category. They operate large trucks with open, hydraulic beds and transport loose material such as dirt, gravel, sand and coal. Beyond driving the vehicle, operators have many responsibilities that can include operating the mechanical bed, loading and unloading material, maintaining the truck's condition and tracking time, miles and vehicle service. Drivers are required to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a high school diploma.
Hourly Wage and Salary
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average hourly wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $18.16 per hour in 2010 with an average annual salary of more than $37, 700. Indeed.com reported that the annual salary for dump truck drivers specifically was around $34, 000 in May 2013. DegreeDirectory.org reports that in 2011 the middle-half of dump truck drivers earned an hourly wage of between $12.43 and $17.48.
Regional Comparisons
Salaries for dump truck drivers are highest in the northeastern sections of the United States. Statistics from Indeed showed that salaries were higher in New York and Massachusetts than those in the South, Midwest and West. California dump truck drivers earn slightly more than in surrounding states, with annual salaries of $37, 000 compared to $32, 000 in Oregon and $30, 000 in Arizona, two of the lowest just above Alaska and Hawaii.
Contributing Factors
Along with the location, other factors such as load and job site can make the pay scale for dump truck drivers slide up or down. Drivers who haul coal are paid more per hour due to the risk of working near a coal mine. Experience also plays a role in the hourly wage, increasing along with the amount of time you’ve been a driver and a good accident record, and whether you are an independent contractor or government employee. Contractor salaries fluctuate depending on competition and reputation, while government positions remain steady regarding wages.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 21 percent through 2020, which is faster than the national average. With many jobs being related to new construction projects, the field will grow and decline along with the U.S. economy. Greater demand for new commercial and residential buildings will lead to greater need for dump truck drivers. Individual state economies will also contribute to the job availability as government projects and positions will increase or decrease depending on the budget.
