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Garbage Truck Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Residential Loader

Penn, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

The Loader position is responsible for helping the driver of a garbage truck on specified routes to manually collect solid waste and transport it to appropriate disposal sites. Typical job duties ...

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Garbage Truck Loader information

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$12

$17

$23

How much do garbage truck loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage truck loader in the United States is $17.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage truck loaders, and how can they be managed on the job?

Garbage Truck Loaders often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or awkward waste items, and maintaining safety while operating near traffic. Managing these challenges involves using proper lifting techniques, wearing the recommended personal protective equipment, and staying alert to surroundings to avoid accidents. Many teams also emphasize strong communication and cooperation between loaders and drivers to ensure routes are completed efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a garbage truck loader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Truck Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to follow procedures, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic lift systems and basic knowledge of waste management protocols are beneficial. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help loaders efficiently coordinate with drivers and maintain a safe work environment. These skills ensure that waste is collected safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local regulations.

What is the difference between Garbage Truck Loader vs Sanitation Worker?

AspectGarbage Truck LoaderSanitation Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL optional
Work EnvironmentInside and around garbage trucks, outdoor routesStreet cleaning, waste collection, outdoor environment
Employer & IndustryWaste management companies, municipal servicesMunicipalities, waste collection services

Garbage Truck Loaders primarily focus on loading waste into trucks, often working directly with the vehicle. Sanitation Workers perform broader waste collection tasks, including street cleaning and waste pickup. Both roles require similar certifications and work outdoors, but Garbage Truck Loaders specialize in operating and working around garbage trucks, making them more vehicle-focused.

What is a garbage truck loader?

Garbage truck loaders are workers responsible for collecting and loading household, commercial, or industrial waste into garbage trucks for proper disposal. They typically ride on the back or side of the truck, lifting and emptying bins or bags of trash into the vehicle. This job requires physical strength, stamina, and attention to safety procedures. Garbage truck loaders play a critical role in keeping communities clean and ensuring that waste is managed efficiently.
More about Garbage Truck Loader jobs
What cities are hiring for Garbage Truck Loader jobs? Cities with the most Garbage Truck Loader job openings:
What states have the most Garbage Truck Loader jobs? States with the most job openings for Garbage Truck Loader jobs include:
Infographic showing various Garbage Truck Loader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,908 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Waste Connections rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

We are looking for a safety conscious Loader to join the Penn Waste team in Manchester, PA.

The Loader position is responsible for helping the driver of a garbage truck on specified routes to manually collect solid waste and transport it to appropriate disposal sites.

Typical job duties include (but are not limited to):

  • Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal.

  • Directing the truck driver when backing

  • Assisting with vehicle maintenance

  • Operate packing mechanisms and levers to activate the loading arm

  • Clean the packer blade and truck body

  • Deliver positive customer service interactions

  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

This is a very physical job working outside in all weather conditions.

Monday-Friday day shift, with mandatory Saturdays following a holiday.

What We Offer -

Good pay, family benefits, 401k, vacation and a great management team.

Garbage is very stable and we work year round.

Job Requirements -

  • Ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly throughout the day.

  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.

Apply today and Connect with Your Future!

We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement.

Waste Connections is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veterans)


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