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Vacuum Truck Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vacuum Truck Operator H 2 O Innovation is a leading company in water and wastewater treatment, specializing in innovative water technologies, services, specialty products, and contract operations. We ...

We are seeking a skilled Vacuum Truck Operator to join our team in Gulfport, MS. Our next colleague will hold a full-time & permanent position. In this role, the vacuum truck operator will be ...

Operating specialized vacuum trucks, you will be responsible for performing efficient and safe removal of waste materials, liquids, and sludge from client sites. Your expertise in operating vacuum ...

Vacuum Truck Operator

Aiken, SC · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Vacuum Truck Operator - Aiken, SC Are you a hands-on operator who takes pride in maintaining precision and safety on the jobsite? Do you enjoy the challenge of technical vacuum operations, working ...

Vacuum Truck Operator

Randolph, MA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Vacuum Truck Operator Department: Operations Reports To: Logistics Manager JOB SUMMARY The Vacuum Truck Operator must be able to work in compliance in the delivery of MER's four core service lines ...

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Vacuum Truck Operator information

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How much do vacuum truck operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for vacuum truck operator in the United States is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vacuum truck operator?

Vacuum Truck Operators are professionals who operate specialized trucks equipped with powerful vacuum systems to remove liquids, sludges, solids, and other materials from job sites. They are commonly employed in industries such as oil and gas, construction, environmental services, and municipal waste management. These operators are trained to safely extract, transport, and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous materials while complying with environmental regulations. Their role also involves routine inspection and maintenance of the vacuum truck equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vacuum truck operator?

To thrive as a Vacuum Truck Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a strong understanding of safety protocols, and experience handling industrial equipment. Familiarity with vacuum truck operation, GPS navigation systems, and confined space entry certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, dependability, and effective communication skills make operators stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant removal and transport of hazardous or non-hazardous materials.

What are some typical challenges faced by a vacuum truck operator on the job?

Vacuum Truck Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing hazardous or non-hazardous materials safely, and adhering to strict safety protocols. The role can involve long hours, physical labor, and the need to operate heavy machinery in confined or busy environments. Successful operators rely on attention to detail, effective communication with team members, and adaptability to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Vacuum Truck Operator vs Tanker Truck Driver?

AspectVacuum Truck OperatorTanker Truck Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), vacuum operation trainingCDL, tanker endorsement
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, waste management, environmental servicesFuel, chemicals, liquids transport across highways
Job DutiesOperate vacuum trucks for waste removal, liquid suctionDrive tanker trucks, transport liquids safely

Both roles require a CDL and involve transporting liquids, but Vacuum Truck Operators focus on waste removal and vacuum systems, often in industrial settings, while Tanker Truck Drivers primarily transport liquids like fuel or chemicals over long distances. The skills and certifications overlap, but the work environments and specific duties differ.

How much money can you make with a vacuum truck?

Vacuum truck operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in hazardous materials handling can earn higher wages, especially in industrial or specialized environments.

How to become a vacuum truck operator?

To become a vacuum truck operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or a certification program. Skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are required, as operators often drive and maintain the trucks in various environments.
More about Vacuum Truck Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Vacuum Truck Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Vacuum Truck Operator job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Vacuum Truck Operator jobs?

The top employers for Vacuum Truck Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Vacuum Truck Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vacuum Truck Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Vacuum Truck Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,199 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

We is looking for a Vacuum Truck Operator to join our team. The main responsibility of the Trenchless Vacuum Truck Operator is to drive and operate a truck that is equipped with a powerful vacuum system. The vacuum truck is designed to transport and dispose of liquid waste, sludge and other hazardous materials. Vacuum truck operators perform tasks that are critical to keeping the environment clean and communities safe.

Benefits

Competitive Pay

Paid Holidays & PTO

Medical and Dental Insurance

Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospitalization Insurance Options

Short-Term Disability (Company-Paid)

Life Insurance (Company-Paid)

Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Options

401K with company contribution match

Career Advancement Opportunities

Positive Work Environment

Essential Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work with a crew on pipeline rehabilitation projects, including but not limited to slip lining, drainage repair and installation, canal and lake bank restoration.

Responsible for the proper and efficient operation of the vacuum truck.

Perform routine vacuum and jetting inspection and maintenance; ensure that truck interior and exterior are kept clean.

Promptly report equipment service requests to supervisor.

Complete assigned work orders utilizing the proper techniques and procedures.

Inspect work area and implement best practices.

Complete and submit required reports and project data on a daily basis.

Perform end-of-day routine: unload materials and supplies; clean vehicle; prepare tools for next day.

Adhere to and enforce safety standards and maintain a safe and clean work environment.

Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisor, coworkers, and utility representatives.

Qualifications:

High School diploma or GED required.

At least 1 year of vacuum truck operator experience required; underground utility experience preferred.

Valid Florida CDL Class A/B driver license with tanker endorsement and safe driving record required.

Knowledge of small tools such as pumps, gas saws, bobcats, backhoes, etc. preferred.

Excellent attention to detail and strong ability to ensure accuracy of work required.

Ability to work with limited supervision to complete assigned tasks required.

Ability and willingness to follow written and verbal instructions required.

Basic computer literacy required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.

Must be able to work in all weather conditions

This position requires travel, occasional overtime, emergency work, and weekend shifts.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME