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Garbage Loader Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Front Load Driver

Dallas, TX

$17.50 - $23/hr

Waste Connections has an immediate opening for a Front Load Garbage Truck Driver at our site in Dallas, TX. This position is Monday-Friday 4 am start time working an 11 hour day. In this position you ...

Front Load Driver

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Waste Connections has an immediate opening for a Front Load Garbage Truck Driver at our site in Dallas, TX. This position is Monday-Friday 4 am start time working an 11 hour day. In this position you ...

Front Load Driver

Dallas, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Waste Connections has an immediate opening for a Front Load Garbage Truck Driver at our site in Dallas, TX. This position is Monday-Friday 4 am start time working an 11 hour day. In this position you ...

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Garbage Loader information

See Texas salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do garbage loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage loader in Texas is $18.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.82 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 Texas? For Garbage Loader jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Loader jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Loader jobs in Texas are:

DRIVER/LOADER - RECYCLING (FULL TIME)

City of Richardson, TX

Richardson, TX • On-site

$44K - $61K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Click here for job description
DRIVER/LOADER - Public Services - Solid Waste Services
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, drive and operate a rear load vehicle in the collection of residential refuse, brush and bulky items and/or recyclable material. Work in a small crew to collect, load, transport, and dispose of refuse, garbage, recycling, and brush. Perform other related work as required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Drive and operate a rear load vehicle for the collection of residential refuse, brush and bulky items, and/or recyclable material on assigned collection routes. Load refuse, recycling, and brush by hand and share loading responsibilities with co-workers. Safely operate, care for, and maintain acceptable appearance of assigned vehicles and equipment including washing, servicing, and performing preventative maintenance checks. Use good judgment to work safely and use equipment properly. Communicate courteously and effectively orally with customers, other City employees, supervisors, and officials. Hear clearly to work safely when working around equipment and in traffic. Read written instructions accurately. Maintain written records on loads to transfer station, materials recovery facility (MRF), and on the preventive maintenance checklist. As needed, train, instruct, and ensure temporary workers understand and practice basic safety procedures while working on or near refuse/recycling vehicles. Work both day and evening hours as needed.
Physical Job Functions:
• Lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds;
• Regularly pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds of refuse, recycling, brush, and various discarded materials, including large/bulky items such as furniture.
• Requires constant extensive walking, carrying, dragging, holding, pulling, pushing, lifting, kneeling, bending/twisting body, reaching, and squatting while performing collection of refuse, recycling, and/or brush.
• Perform physically strenuous duties in all weather conditions including heat, cold, temperature swings and in inclement weather.
Exposure to dust, fumes, loud noises, and mechanical hazards are routinely encountered in solid waste collection duties/operations, while using proper safety precautions.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR LICENSES:
Completion of eleventh grade required. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Experience may be substituted for education requirements. Applicable Texas Commercial Learner's Permit is required within 1 month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class B, is required within 6 months of hire.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
One-year of experience preferred in driving dump/container body trucks. Experience preferred in refuse collection.
Physical Skills/Abilities:
• Possess ability to lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds;
• Possess ability to pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds of refuse and various discarded materials.
• Possess ability to climb, crawl, kneel, squat, stoop and/or bend freely when participating in refuse, recycling, and brush collection; and sit and/or stand for extended periods while collecting refuse, recycling, and/or brush.
• Possess ability to climb in and out of the cab of refuse truck numerous times per workday.
• Possess ability to step up and down from the rear step plate of the refuse/recycling truck up to several hundred times per workday.
• Must be able to maintain mental focus throughout all assigned activities.
• Must be able to effectively work independently and within a team environment.
Number of available positions: 1
Completion of eleventh grade required. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Applicable Texas Commercial Learner's Permit is required within 1 month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class B, is required within 6 months of hire. Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds; pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds. Must be able to climb, crawl, squat, etc.
Code : 88-5
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Location : SOLID WASTE RECYCLING
Group : NONEXEMPT
Job Family : SOLID WASTE - RECYCLING
Job Class : DRIVER/LOADER
Salary: $44,214.04-$61,513.92