Career comparison
Refuse Collector vs. Septic Tank Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Septic tank technicians earn more at the median ($49,880 vs. $49,690), while refuse collectors usually get to work faster (1–8 weeks of training). Refuse collectors collect trash, recycling and yard waste to keep communities clean and healthy. Septic tank technicians pump, inspect and repair septic systems and clean sewer lines.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Refuse Collector | Septic Tank Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $49,690 ($23.89/hr) | $49,880 ($23.98/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,590 – $75,900 | $37,040 – $73,490 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.1% (slower than average) | +7.8% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 15,500 | 2,800 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–8 weeks | 1–6 months on the job |
| Key credential | CDL Class B | State septage hauler license |
| Work setting | Collectors work outdoors in all weather on streets and alleys, operating heavy trucks around traffic, pedestrians and obstacles. | Technicians work outdoors at homes, businesses and job sites, and drive heavy trucks. |
What each job does
Refuse Collector
- Drive collection routes safely
- Operate automated arms and compactors
- Collect trash, recycling and yard waste
- Inspect trucks before and after routes
- Check containers for contamination or hazardous items
Septic Tank Technician
- Pump septic tanks with vacuum trucks
- Inspect tanks, baffles and filters
- Locate and uncover tanks and lids
- Clear blocked sewer lines with jetters and cables
- Inspect lines with sewer cameras
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, physical work, working independently, and hands-on work. Both are part of the safety & environmental field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose refuse collector if…
- I don’t mind very early mornings
- I like driving big trucks
- I want steady work with benefits
Choose septic tank technician if…
- Dirty work doesn’t bother me
- I like driving and operating equipment
- I enjoy solving problems on site
Still torn? Take the Refuse Collector fit quiz and the Septic Tank Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, refuse collector or septic tank technician?
Septic Tank Technicians earn more at the median: $49,880 versus $49,690 for refuse collectors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Refuse Collectors typically train faster (1–8 weeks) than septic tank technicians (1–6 months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects septic tank technicians to grow +7.8% from 2025–35, compared with +2.1% for refuse collectors.