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Garbage Loader Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Marriott

Steward

Southfield, MI

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Separates and removes garbage and places it in designated containers ensuring all spills are ... Loads or unloads trucks picking up or delivering supplies and food. * Helps support the kitchen ...

Corporate Positions

Utility | Longhorn (2)

Detroit, MI · On-site

... Load cart with products from the shared kitchen and stock areas and ensure quick and efficient ... garbage to designated areas. • Assist team members with any necessary stocking of items. • Be ...

Paradies Lagardere

Utility | Longhorn (2)

Detroit, MI · On-site

... Load cart with products from the shared kitchen and stock areas and ensure quick and efficient ... garbage to designated areas. • Assist team members with any necessary stocking of items. • Be ...

City of Flint

CDL Work Pool Laborer

Flint, MI

$17.50 - $21.24/hr

... loads on trucks. May drive and operate a packer type truck collecting garbage, trash, compost, discarded items and other refuse from house to house and other sources. May work from rear of truck ...

Waste Connections Inc

$27 - $28/hr

Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste ... Operate hydraulic hand controls to lift/load refuse and dispose of trash at designated facilities.

Waste Connections of Canada

$27 - $28/hr

Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste ... Operate hydraulic hand controls to lift/load refuse and dispose of trash at designated facilities.

Priority Waste

Residential Driver

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Through our yellow fleet of residential, roll off, and front load trucks and containers, Priority ... garbage truck and ancillary equipment on assigned route to haul solid waste/recycling debris from ...

Priority Waste

Residential Driver

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Through our yellow fleet of residential, roll off, and front load trucks and containers, Priority ... garbage truck and ancillary equipment on assigned route to haul solid waste/recycling debris from ...

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All JobsGarbage Loader JobsGarbage Loader Jobs in Michigan

Garbage Loader information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do garbage loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage loader in Michigan is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a garbage loader do?

A garbage loader, also known as a sanitation worker or refuse collector, is responsible for collecting and loading waste materials onto garbage trucks for disposal. They typically work in teams to pick up trash, recyclables, and yard waste from residential, commercial, and public areas. Their work helps ensure communities remain clean and free of waste, and they often follow specific routes and safety procedures. Garbage loaders may also assist with sorting recyclables and handling bulky items. The job requires physical strength, attention to safety, and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

How much does a garbage helper make?

Garbage helpers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires physical stamina and the ability to operate waste collection equipment, with some positions offering benefits and overtime pay.

Can a garbage man make 100k?

Garbage loaders, also known as sanitation workers, typically earn salaries below $100,000 annually. However, with overtime, union benefits, experience, and working in high-cost areas, some may reach or exceed this level, especially in supervisory or specialized roles. Most entry-level positions start with lower wages, and reaching six figures usually requires additional responsibilities or years of experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Garbage Loader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to follow instructions, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic lifts, and basic safety equipment is common in this role. Teamwork, reliability, and a strong work ethic are crucial soft skills for succeeding in demanding and often outdoor conditions. These skills ensure efficient waste collection, prevent injuries, and contribute to public health and cleanliness.

What are the typical physical demands and safety practices involved in working as a Garbage Loader?

Garbage Loaders routinely engage in physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy bags, maneuvering bins, and working in various weather conditions. Safety is paramount, so workers are trained to use proper lifting techniques, wear protective gear like gloves and reflective vests, and follow specific procedures to avoid injuries from sharp objects or hazardous materials. The role often requires early morning starts and close collaboration with drivers and other crew members to ensure efficient and safe waste collection. Adhering to safety protocols and being prepared for physical challenges are key to success in this position.

What is the difference between Garbage Loader vs Waste Collector?

AspectGarbage LoaderWaste Collector
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, valid driver’s licenseHigh school diploma or equivalent, valid driver’s license
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial areas, operating trucksResidential neighborhoods, waste collection routes
Industry UsageMunicipal waste management, private waste servicesMunicipal waste management, private waste services

Garbage Loaders and Waste Collectors often perform similar roles in waste management, operating trucks to collect and dispose of waste. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Garbage Loader' is commonly used in specific regions or companies, while 'Waste Collector' is a broader term. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, focusing on residential and commercial waste collection within municipal or private sectors.

Is garbage collecting a good job?

Garbage collection jobs, such as waste loaders or sanitation workers, are essential for public health and environmental management. They often involve physical labor, working outdoors, and may require safety training and protective gear; pay and job stability vary by location and employer.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

Garbage loaders typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high wages are uncommon in this role. Jobs that pay $250 an hour usually require specialized skills, advanced certifications, or executive positions, such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, or specialized consultants. These roles often involve significant experience and education.
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Loader jobs in Michigan? For Garbage Loader jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Loader jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Loader jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Garbage Loader jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Garbage Loader job openings:
Garbage Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Loader job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,899 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
(Part-Time) Park Maintenance Worker

(Part-Time) Park Maintenance Worker

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Dexter, MI • On-site

$16.17 - $18.80/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 hours ago

Job description

PAY RANGE: $16.17 - $18.80 per hour DOQ (Up to 1,500 hours per year).
Eligible part-time employees will receive up to a $5.75 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For details, click here.
Hudson Mills Metropark is a 7-day per week operation. It is expected that staff will be available to work as scheduled. At the same time, the parks are weather dependent, which may result in cancelled or shortened work schedules as necessary.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Work activities in this position primarily involve the maintenance of park grounds.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employee shall perform other duties as assigned
  • Plants and cares for trees, shrubs and turf areas.
  • Empties trash barrels.
  • Cleans picnic areas, restrooms and roadsides.
  • Picks up litter using a prod, by hand or machine.
  • Operates push mower and weed whip to maintain lawn areas.
  • Operates Cushman.
  • Operates 1 ton dump truck for park maintenance.
  • Operates irrigation system where applicable.
  • Operates tractor as necessary for park maintenance.
  • Operates various mowers as required to maintain lawns.
  • Operates garbage truck for waste management maintenance.
  • May be a crew leader.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and maintains an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to operate dump truck, garbage truck, tractor, push mower, weed whip, and cushman.
  • Ability to load, unload and move materials between work locations.
  • Ability to traverse sandy, marshy or wooded areas with even or uneven terrain.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to work varied hours depending upon park demands.
  • Ability to get along with co-workers, supervisors, and park visitors.
  • Mau be requires to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
  • Ability to perform essential duties.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of materials, tools, practices and methods of grounds maintenance.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED: Requires the frequent use of hand tools used for raking, digging, pruning, leveling, repair of irrigation systems; custodial tools such as brooms, mops, toilet plungers; landscape equipment consisting of large mowers small tractors groomers and snow blowers; basic construction tools used for turf maintenance, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and cement finishing work. Less use of personal computer, word processing, phone, radio, calculator and copy machine.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is routinely required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is routinely required to run, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch and must have the ability to traverse sandy, marshy, or wooded areas with uneven terrain. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely works in outside weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to heat, wet and/or humid conditions, chemicals, animals, foliage and vegetation, etc.

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