How much does a Garbage truck driver make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Garbage truck driver
Image that illustrates Garbage truck driver

Garbage truck driver

33 600 kr

Truck drivers etc.

28 900 - 35 500 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Garbage truck driver

Average salary 33 600 kr
Males 33 700 kr
Females 32 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 198 Vacant jobs ->

What does a garbage truck driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A garbage truck driver is responsible for collecting and transporting household waste, recycling materials, and sometimes hazardous waste from homes, businesses, and public places. The job involves driving specially equipped vehicles, often early mornings or late evenings, handling heavy lifting, and sometimes working in varying weather conditions. Safety and accuracy are crucial, as drivers often operate in densely populated areas and must consider traffic and pedestrians. The profession also requires good physical condition due to frequent stops and manual tasks.

Salary development over time

Salaries for garbage truck drivers have steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,200 SEK per month, rising to 32 500 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 33 600, corresponding to an increase of about 7.7% over three years. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for the profession, changes in collective agreements, and a generally strong job market in transportation. Additionally, requirements for professional competence and work environment standards have tightened, possibly contributing to higher salary levels. Women's salaries have also increased, but the gap compared to men's salaries remains, albeit small. Overall, the attractiveness of the profession has strengthened, reflected in the salary development.

Garbage truck driver salary – a complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 28,900 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (male, post-secondary education & various sectors)
  • Hourly wage (average): 202 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (32 900 SEK/month vs 33 700 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between regions, but detailed statistics are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a garbage truck driver, at least a B-driver's license is usually required, but most employers also require a C-license and YKB (professional competence certificate). The educational path can vary depending on previous experience, but many choose to complete the transport program at high school or supplement with adult education. Practical experience and good local knowledge are also valuable assets for those seeking employment in the field.

  • Transport program (high school): 3 years
  • C-license and YKB: Mandatory qualifications
  • Internship: Often through education or as a trainee
  • Prerequisites: At least B-license, good physical condition
  • Additional courses: e.g., safety training, environmental training

Many garbage truck drivers highlight the social contact with colleagues and residents as an unexpected benefit of the profession. It is common for the same routes to be driven over long periods, creating relationships and a sense of responsibility for the area's well-being.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, allowances are often provided for unsociable working hours, overtime, and sometimes special allowances for work on weekends or nights. Company healthcare, wellness grants, and work clothing are common benefits. Some employers also offer training, opportunities for further development, and pension contributions according to collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The profession of garbage truck driver is in demand, and competition for jobs is relatively low nationwide, reflected in the 412 available positions. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported, primarily due to licensing and professional competence requirements. The work environment can be challenging with heavy lifting, shift work, and sometimes stressful traffic conditions. Despite high unemployment within the profession, demand remains steady, and those with the right qualifications and experience have good prospects for employment. However, increased automation and new environmental regulations may influence the profession over time.

Tips for aspiring garbage truck drivers

To succeed as a garbage truck driver, it is important to have a strong sense of responsibility, as the job involves managing safety and environmental considerations daily. Being thorough and punctual is crucial, as schedules and routes are often fixed and planning must be maintained. Physical endurance and strength facilitate handling heavy containers and frequent lifts. Flexibility is a valued trait, as workdays can vary and unexpected situations may arise. Being social and service-minded is advantageous since contact with colleagues and the public is a natural part of the workday. It is recommended to acquire the necessary driver licenses early and participate in offered training. Showing engagement and willingness to develop also improves chances of permanent employment and advancement.

Key facts about garbage truck drivers

  • Education level: High school (Transport program) + C-license and YKB
  • Work environment: Physically demanding outdoor work, shift work common
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 412 available jobs nationwide
  • Gender distribution: Predominantly men, but the proportion of women is increasing
  • Career paths: Opportunities for further education in transport and logistics

Career prospects and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, instructor positions for new drivers, or specialize in environmental transport and hazardous waste. Some choose to pursue further education in logistics or transport management, which can lead to new tasks and higher salaries. According to the Employment Service, job prospects are good, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite a paradoxical situation with both recruitment difficulties and high unemployment in the profession, the future outlook remains stable for those with the right licenses and experience.

Frequently asked questions about garbage truck drivers

  • What does a garbage truck driver earn?
    - The average salary for a garbage truck driver is 33 600 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a garbage truck driver?
    - High school transport program or adult education, C-license, and YKB are required.
  • Are there many job openings for garbage truck drivers?
    - Yes, there are approximately 412 job openings nationwide.
  • What is the work environment like for garbage truck drivers?
    - The work is physically demanding, outdoors, and often involves early mornings or evenings.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the career advancement opportunities?
    - Supervisory roles, instructor positions, or further education in transport and logistics.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 10:55:28

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Garbage truck driver is 35500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Garbage truck driver is 28900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 98% 31300 kr 33000 kr
25-34 99% 31800 kr 33600 kr
35-44 95% 32300 kr 34000 kr
45-54 32200 kr 33800 kr
55-64 32200 kr 33800 kr
65-68 29700 kr 31200 kr
Snitt 98% 31900 kr 33600 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Garbage truck driver has the SSYK code 8332, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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