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Side Arm Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Constellis

Armed Security Officer

Panhandle, TX · On-site

$28/hr

Possess a valid state driver's license * Must pass background investigation, physical, drug, and ... with both side arm and long rifle on a standard security/police officer training firearm ...

H2O Innovation Inc.

Mechanic Shop Foreman

Gulfport, MS · On-site

Tractors and side-arm mowers * Excavators * Backhoes * Loaders * Trailers * Lawn and grounds ... Valid driver's license. * Strong leadership and communication skills. * Ability to manage multiple ...

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$14

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$89

How much do side arm driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for side arm driver in the United States is $37.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a side arm driver?

A Side Arm Driver is a professional who operates a specialized garbage truck equipped with a hydraulic arm mounted on the side of the vehicle. The main responsibility of a Side Arm Driver is to collect waste and recyclables from curbside bins by maneuvering the arm to lift and empty them into the truck. This role typically requires a commercial driver's license (CDL), strong driving skills, and the ability to work independently while following safety protocols. Side Arm Drivers play an essential role in efficient and automated waste collection, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing route productivity.

What is the difference between Side Arm Driver vs Dump Truck Driver?

AspectSide Arm DriverDump Truck Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)CDL
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping projectsConstruction sites, mining, quarrying
Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, agricultureConstruction, mining, waste management
Job TasksTransporting and positioning materials with side arm attachmentsHauling and dumping materials from dump beds

Both Side Arm Drivers and Dump Truck Drivers require a CDL and work in construction or related industries. The main difference lies in their tasks: Side Arm Drivers operate trucks with side arm attachments for precise material placement, while Dump Truck Drivers focus on hauling and dumping bulk materials. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges side arm drivers face during their routes, and how can they overcome them?

Side Arm Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight residential streets, dealing with parked cars obstructing access to bins, and managing time to stay on schedule. To overcome these, it’s important to stay vigilant, plan routes carefully, and communicate with dispatch about any consistent obstacles. Many employers provide training on maneuvering the side arm mechanism safely and efficiently, as well as guidance on customer interaction when issues arise. Building strong problem-solving skills and remaining adaptable can help Side Arm Drivers succeed and reduce daily stress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a side arm driver?

To thrive as a Side Arm Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a strong driving record, and a good understanding of route navigation and safety regulations. Familiarity with hydraulic controls, side-loader waste collection vehicles, and GPS routing systems is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong customer service skills help drivers efficiently manage routes and interact with the public. These skills ensure safe operation, timely waste collection, and high-quality service in a physically demanding role.
More about Side Arm Driver jobs
What job categories do people searching Side Arm Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Side Arm Driver jobs are:
Side Arm Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Side Arm Driver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,621 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Special Equipment Operator

The School District of Manatee County

Sarasota, FL • On-site

$21.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

School District of Manatee County rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

425th of 622 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MANATEE COUNTY
Local Title: SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
State Title: Equipment Operator
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB GOAL:
To provide skilled work in the operation of commercial grade heavy equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
  2. Technical training in subjects such as horticulture plus one (1) year experience in grounds maintenance, and three (3) years of experience in use of commercial heavy equipment. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
  3. Possession of a valid Florida Commercial Driver's license (CDL) - Class A. Must be able to obtain license within 120 days of hire.
  4. Must have or be able to obtain within the probationary period, a valid state of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Public Applicator's Restricted Use Pesticides License for Ornamental and Turf.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the operation and use of dump trucks, tandem trailers, tractors, loaders and related equipment. Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the operation of the previously mentioned equipment on the highways. Ability to operate tractors with attachments such as bush hog or side arm mover to cut grass and undergrowth along ditch banks, retention ponds and other areas with rough terrain. Ability to operate both riding and walk behind mowers. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary in the operation of equipment. Ability to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.
REPORTS TO:
Supervisor, Sites Management
SUPERVISES:
N/A
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Operate backhoe in the removal of stumps, digging ditches for underground utilities, transplanting trees, drainage swales, etc.
  2. Operate the lightning loader to pick up yard trash, cardboard, etc. from various school facilities and transport to County Landfill.
  3. Operate auger attachment to install poles.
  4. Operate tractor with various attachments.
  5. Operate grader for land development, athletic field maintenance, etc.
  6. Use lightning loader for the use of equipment relocation.
  7. Maintain accurate records of daily work and time and payroll information.
  8. Follow safety standards in performing work and report unsafe conditions to Lead/Manager in a timely manner.
  9. May be required to work after hours and/or weekends.
  10. Travel outside of Manatee County as required in the performance of duties.
  11. Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Heavy work. Requires lifting operations involving weights up to fifty pounds. Requires lifting, holding, carrying, sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, and visual acuity. The worker is exposed to primarily outdoor environmental conditions. The noise level in the work environment can be high at times. The employee frequently will work irregular or extended work hours while performing the duties of this job. Safety is the highest priority.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.
Board approved on:
Revised:
05/07/2001
08/14/2006
05/22/2018
SALARY SCHEDULE: AFSCME
PAYGRADE: 28B
SHORT TITLE: MPL005
STATE JOB CODE: 81020
Pay Scale
Approved Budgeted Hourly : $21.19

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