Career comparison
Refuse Collector vs. Truck Driver
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Truck drivers earn more at the median ($58,640 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. Truck drivers haul freight safely across town or across the country with a CDL.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Refuse Collector | Truck Driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $49,690 ($23.89/hr) | $58,640 ($28.19/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,590 – $75,900 | $40,140 – $79,380 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.1% (slower than average) | +3.8% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 15,500 | 214,500 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 1–8 weeks | 3–7 weeks |
| Key credential | CDL Class B | CDL Class A |
| Work setting | Collectors work outdoors in all weather on streets and alleys, operating heavy trucks around traffic, pedestrians and obstacles. | Drivers spend most of the day in the truck cab, sometimes loading or unloading at docks. |
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
Truck Driver
- Inspect trucks and trailers before and after trips
- Plan routes considering weight, height, traffic and weather
- Drive safely while following traffic laws and federal regulations
- Record hours of service with an electronic logging device (ELD)
- Secure cargo and verify loads against shipping documents
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, working independently, and steady routines. They sit in different fields, safety & environmental and transportation & logistics, but share transferable skills such as reliability and independence and self-discipline.
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 truck driver if…
- I like working independently
- I enjoy driving and don’t mind long hours on the road
- I want to start earning within a couple of months
Still torn? Take the Refuse Collector fit quiz and the Truck Driver fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, refuse collector or truck driver?
Truck Drivers earn more at the median: $58,640 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 truck drivers (3–7 weeks).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects truck drivers to grow +3.8% from 2025–35, compared with +2.1% for refuse collectors.