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Vacuum Truck Operator Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VACUUM TRUCK OPERATOR I

Belle Chasse, LA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.75/hr

Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License with Tank and HAZMAT endorsements ... Must have at a minimum 4 years of related experience as a Vacuum Truck Operator. * Must have ...

Job Duties The Vacuum Truck Operator will work with the Vacuum Truck Services team to provide ... Complete daily equipment pre-trips and driver logs required for DOT compliance. Maintain detailed ...

Stormwater Maintenance Vacuum Truck Operator

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Minimum Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the ability to obtain a Tanker Endorsement. Class A with Tanker Endorsement is preferred. * Previous experience operating vacuum trucks or ...

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Vacuum Truck Operator Driver information

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$14

$25

$42

How much do vacuum truck operator driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for vacuum truck operator driver in the United States is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vacuum truck operator driver?

Vacuum Truck Operator Drivers are professionals trained to operate specialized trucks equipped with powerful vacuum systems. Their primary job is to safely remove and transport liquid, sludge, or solid materials from various locations such as industrial sites, oilfields, or municipal facilities. They are responsible for ensuring that hazardous or non-hazardous materials are handled and disposed of in accordance with environmental and safety regulations. These operators often work in challenging conditions and must be knowledgeable about the operation and maintenance of their equipment. Strong attention to safety protocols and compliance is essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Vacuum Truck Operator Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), experience with heavy equipment, and knowledge of safe material handling practices. Familiarity with vacuum truck operations, pump systems, and compliance with DOT and OSHA regulations is typically required, and certifications like HAZWOPER may be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a commitment to safety are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally compliant transport and disposal of materials in various industrial settings.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by vacuum truck operator drivers and how can they be managed?

Vacuum Truck Operator Drivers often encounter challenges such as working in hazardous conditions, managing heavy equipment in confined spaces, and adhering to strict safety regulations. Weather conditions and irregular hours can also add to the job’s complexity. Proactive safety training, strong communication with team members, and maintaining equipment can help mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations. Additionally, staying organized and attentive to detail is crucial for handling emergency responses or unexpected site conditions.

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

AspectVacuum Truck Operator DriverTanker Truck Driver
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), often with hazardous materials endorsementCDL, often with hazardous materials endorsement
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, waste management, environmental servicesFuel, chemicals, liquids transport across highways
Industry UsageWaste removal, septic services, environmental cleanupOil & gas, chemical, liquid freight industries

Both Vacuum Truck Operator Drivers and Tanker Truck Drivers require a CDL and often hazardous materials endorsements. Vacuum Truck Operator Drivers typically work in waste management and environmental services, handling waste and septic materials, while Tanker Truck Drivers transport liquids like fuel or chemicals across highways. Their roles differ mainly in work environment and cargo type, but both are essential for liquid and waste transportation industries.

Do you need a CDL to drive a vacuum truck?

Yes, vacuum truck operators typically need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) because these vehicles are classified as commercial motor vehicles. A CDL ensures the driver meets safety and licensing requirements for operating large, specialized equipment often used in industrial or waste management settings.

How much money can you make with a vacuum truck operator driver?

A vacuum truck operator driver typically earns 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 may earn higher wages and overtime pay.
More about Vacuum Truck Operator Driver jobs

What cities are hiring for Vacuum Truck Operator Driver jobs?

Cities with the most Vacuum Truck Operator Driver job openings:

What states have the most Vacuum Truck Operator Driver jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Vacuum Truck Operator Driver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,310 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

VACUUM TRUCK OPERATOR I

Zachry Group

Belle Chasse, LA • On-site

$19.50 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Zachry Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 80 rated construction


Job description

Position Summary 

AVacuum Truck Operator  will support and execute the safe, quality, and efficient completion of various tasks related to vacuum truck operations being performed at a petrochemical processing plant, including but not limited to: 

  • Craft specific labor 

  • Preparation, inspection, operation, loading, unloading, and cleaning of industrial vacuum trucks and/or related equipment, tools, parts, components, etc. to transport raw, hazardous, and/or waste materials, finished products (high and low flash), etc. throughout the facility safely and efficiently.  

  • Providing support services such as but not limited to firewatch, holewatch, bottlewatch, light equipment/vehicle operation, general housekeeping, etc. 

Qualification Highlights 

  • Must be able to meet all physical requirements -see below. 

  • Must have reliable transportation  

  • Must be willing and able to work: 

  • Up to 7 days per week 

  • Overtime, call-out, swing shift, etc. as required 

  • Must be capable of working under the direction of a skilled Leadman and under the supervision of an experienced Foreman. 

  • Must be experienced with and/or capable of successfully completing all required training/qualifications necessary to oversee safety-sensitive work which includes but is not limited to the preparation, set-up, and execution of hot work, confined space entry, and fresh air work.   

  • Must be experienced with and/or capable of successfully completing all required training/qualifications necessary to utilize all related tools, apparatuses, equipment, etc. to execute safety-sensitive work which includes but is not limited to the preparation, set-up, and execution of hot work, confined space entry, and fresh air work.   

  • Will be expected to assist other crafts when not actively performing vacuum truck operation activities. 

  • Must be capable of reading, understanding, and adhering to restrictions and/or requirements of various types of work permits, SDSs, and/or JSAs. 

  • Must successfully complete Short Service Employee (SSE) program, if applicable. 

  • Must successfully complete a 90-day probationary period.  Any disciplinary and/or attendance issues during this time will be grounds for termination. 

  • Must maintain satisfactory bi-annual evaluation scores of no less than 3.0.  Unsatisfactory bi-annual evaluation scores of less than 3.0 for two consecutive cycles will result in disciplinary action, up to termination, for poor performance. 

Position Responsibilities 

  • Must have a strong approach, understanding, and commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency in an industrial environment. 

  • Must be capable of and will be expected to perform pre-task hazard assessments to identify potential risks and implement pro-active elimination and/or mitigation techniques. 

  • Must have extensive and demonstrated experience performing maintenance on various types of industrial equipment in a petrochemical facility. 

  • Must actively participate and support site programs such as (at a minimum): 

  • Safe Catch/Quality Catch/Stop Work Authority 

  • Continuous Improvement (SMART Focus) 

  • Applicable customer initiatives/programs 

  • Must be experienced with the preparation, disassembly, repair, fabrication, reassembly, and/or installation of industrial equipment such as piping, fittings, valves, boilers, towers, vessels, tanks, exchangers, reactors, pumps, etc. as well as various structural components. 

  • Provides support services such as but not limited to firewatch, holewatch, bottlewatch, light equipment/vehicle operation, material kitting/delivery, general housekeeping, etc. 

 
Preferred Qualifications 

Current or Former Zachry Employee with acceptable ESR rating only. 

Reports to Position 

This position does not have any direct reports. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

  • Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License with Tank and HAZMAT endorsements. 

  • Must possess and maintain valid 40-hour HAZWOPER credentials. 

  • Must have at a minimum 4 years of related experience as a Vacuum Truck Operator. 

  • Must have experience using industrial hand and power tools in an industrial work environment. 

  • Must have experience operating industrial equipment within a petro-chemical, or similar, facility. 

  • Must possess good problem-solving abilities and an agile mindset. 

  • Must possess aptitude for mechanical equipment, have effective computing, literacy, and numeracy skills, and manual dexterity. 

  • Must possess the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment. 

  • Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and valid CDL Driver's License with Tank and HAZMAT endorsements. 


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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924