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Side Dump Driver Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Side Dump Driver information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do side dump driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for side dump driver in Iowa is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a side dump driver?

Side Dump Drivers are professional truck drivers who operate specialized side dump trucks, which are designed to unload their cargo by tilting the trailer to one side. These drivers are responsible for transporting materials such as gravel, sand, dirt, or construction debris to and from worksites. They must safely operate the vehicle, follow all road and safety regulations, and perform routine inspections and maintenance on their equipment. Side Dump Drivers often work in construction, mining, or agricultural industries, where efficient material handling is critical.

What are some common challenges side dump drivers face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Side Dump Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating uneven or unstable terrain, safely operating the side-dump mechanism, and managing tight delivery schedules. To handle these issues, drivers should be well-versed in pre-trip inspections, maintain clear communication with site crews, and remain vigilant about load distribution to prevent tipping. Ongoing safety training and adhering to company protocols are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a side dump driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Side Dump Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), safe driving skills, and experience with heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with side dump trailers, GPS navigation systems, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure safety and effective teamwork on construction or hauling sites. These skills are crucial for transporting materials efficiently while minimizing risks and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Side Dump Driver vs End Dump Driver?

AspectSide Dump DriverEnd Dump Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, hauling materialsConstruction, mining, hauling bulk materials
UsageLoads materials from the side, ideal for uneven terrainLoads from the rear, suitable for straight dumps

Both Side Dump Drivers and End Dump Drivers require a CDL and work in similar environments. The main difference lies in the type of dump truck they operate: Side Dump Drivers handle side-loading trucks, which are better for uneven terrain, while End Dump Drivers operate rear-loading trucks, suitable for straight dumps. Understanding these differences helps employers and drivers choose the right role for specific hauling needs.

What are popular job titles related to Side Dump Driver jobs in Iowa? For Side Dump Driver jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Side Dump Driver jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Side Dump Driver jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Side Dump Driver jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Side Dump Driver job openings:
Side Dump Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Side Dump Driver job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,000 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

TRUCK DRIVER SIDE DUMP (SEASONAL)

Knife River Corporation

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$24.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Knife River rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

Good pay! Good benefits! Good people! Knife River is a PEOPLE- first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!
At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible to operate tractor trailer side dump, belly dump, or lowboy and maintain properly to transport material to designated location in a timely manner.
DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES (summary of components that make up the job)
  1. Pre and post trip inspections. Maintains driver logs when applicable.
  2. Daily maintenance of equipment such as cleaning truck inside and out, greasing, oiling, brakes, lights and any other maintenance instructed to perform.
  3. Recognize surroundings and practice traffic awareness to maintain a safe environment.
  4. Clean spilled material/buildup off box, belt, and gates.
  5. Verify that gates are closed.
  6. Discharge product.
  7. Maintain proper information in truck cab pouch.
  8. Report information accurately and completely on daily timecards, truck cab information and other needed paperwork.
  9. Maintain and support a safe and harassment free work environment.
  10. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written).
  11. Ability to read maps and navigate to new locations.
  12. Must be self-motivated, team-player with excellent interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive attitude and act courteous and respectful toward others.
  13. Ability to work with minimum supervision and recognize matters needing attention and initiate action on that recognition.
  14. Display a professional and courteous attitude towards all team members and the public.
  15. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)
  1. Class A required. Hazmat and tanker endorsements, preferred.
  2. Previous truck driving experience, preferred.
  3. Ability to work flexible shifts, including weekends and overtime.

COMPENSATION:
Beginning pay $24.85, and up, depending on experience.
BENEFITS:
  1. Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  2. Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
  3. 401(k) with Company Match
  4. Profit Sharing
  5. Paid Time Off
  6. 8 Paid Holidays
  7. Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  8. Short-term Disability
  9. Employee Assistance Program
  10. Years of Service Recognition
  11. Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
  12. Critical Illness Plan
  13. Accident Coverage Plan
  14. Hospital Indemnity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
All applications are completed online. If you're having issues completing the application, you can stop at our office for assistance.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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