How Much Do Garbage Men Make?

Considering becoming a garbage man? Despite this job title, garbage collectors can be both men and women, and one of the things worth considering before becoming one is how much garbage men (garbage collectors) earn.

How Much Do Garbage Men Make?
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In short, a garbage man has an average salary of around $38,500 in the United States. This depends on various factors, however, as garbage men can earn a salary as low as $30,000 and as high as $48,000.

Despite that, salary isn’t the only thing to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a garbage man.

So, for more information on being a garbage man, including how to become a garbage man, the pros and cons of being a garbage man, and more, you’ll find everything you need to know in this guide.

What Does A Garbage Man Do?

A garbage man, also known as a garbage collector, waste collector, or trashman, is responsible for collecting and disposing of waste and recycling materials from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. 

The job typically involves either operating a garbage truck or lifting and emptying trash cans into the truck’s compactor. The job also involves sorting recycle materials from non-recyclable waste.

Garbage men work in teams, often in the local community they’re assigned.

Overall, garbage men play an essential role in their communities for keeping areas clean and therefore safe. They help the general environment, as a result, making garbage disposal one of the most important professions in society.

How Much Do Garbage Men Earn?

How much a garbage man earns (see also “How Much Do Welders Make?“) can depend on various factors, including the area (state), experience, hours, and employer.

In general, however, garbage men in the United States have an average salary of around $38,500. Considering the factors involved that can affect their salary, garbage men can earn a salary as low as $30,000 and as high as $48,000.

How Do You Become A Garbage Man?

There are usually no specific educational requirements to becoming a garbage man, but some employers may prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent education. 

Other requirements can include adequate physical fitness (see also “How Much Do Personal Trainers Make?“), a local driver’s license, and possible on the job training .

In general, the process of becoming a garbage man involves:

  • Being physically mobile and strong enough to perform the job
  • Obtaining a local driver’s license
  • Looking for garbage man job postings
  • Meeting the employer requirements
  • Applying for the job
  • Completing any necessary training

Aside from the formal requirements, becoming a garbage man requires reasonably good physical fitness, a strong work ethic, the motivation to work outside in most weather conditions, and the ability to work well in a team.

Is Being A Garbage Man Stressful?

Like any job, being a garbage man can be stressful for some people for various reasons. These include:

Is Being a Garbage Man Stressful?
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  • Physical demands: Collecting garbage requires physical labor, including heavy lifting, which can be tiring and may also lead to injuries.
  • Exposure to unsanitary and dangerous materials: Garbage men are exposed to bacteria, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, and more.
  • Weather conditions: Garbage men are required to work outside in all weather conditions (unless the weather is extreme).
  • Low pay: Compared with some other jobs, garbage men have lower salaries.
  • Lack of career growth: Garbage men generally do not have many options for furthering their careers.
  • Public perception: Garbage collection is (unjustifiably) not considered a respectable job by some of the public, given the nature of the work. 

Is Becoming A Garbage Man Worth It?

Despite the stress that some people might face being garbage collectors, becoming a garbage man can be worth it if you want to serve a crucial role in society, enjoy working outside, and prefer to work with others.

Other reasons that being a garbage man can be worthwhile include increased job security, staying active and keeping fit, and health benefits. 

Despite that, garbage men must work in all weather conditions, be frequently exposed to unsanitary, dangerous, and hazardous materials, settle for a potential lack of career growth, and deal with the “general” public perception of garbage men.

The Pros And Cons Of Being A Garbage Man

The Pros and Cons of Being a Garbage Man
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If you are considering becoming a garbage man, it will help to weigh up the pros and cons of being a garbage man, which you’ll find listed below.

The Pros Of Being A Garbage Man

1. Job security: Garbage men are in constant demand due to the nature of the work, providing increased job security.

2. Physical activity: Garbage collection can improve strength, mobility, and general health and fitness.

3. Helping society: Garbage men play a crucial role in keeping communities clean and safe, providing a sense of purpose.

4. Working outside: Garbage collection involves working outside, which some may prefer to office work.

5. Working with others: Garbage men work in a team, enjoying the camaraderie that comes with it.

The Cons Of Being A Garbage Man

1. Physically demanding: Garbage collection requires lifting, which can be tiring with a risk of injury.

2. Exposure to unsanitary materials: Garbage men are exposed to unsanitary, dangerous, and hazardous materials.

3. Unfavorable weather conditions: Garbage men are sometimes required to work in hot weather or rain.

4. Monotonous work: Collecting garbage can be repetitive.

5. Public perception: Garbage collection is not viewed as a desirable or respectable job by some of the public, which may negatively affect mental health.

Conclusion

To conclude, a garbage man in the United States has an average salary of around $38,500. This depends on various factors, however, as garbage men can earn a salary as low as $30,000 and as high as $48,000.

Aside from salary, there are other things to consider before becoming a garbage man, including the physical demands of the job, working outside in hot, cold, and rainy weather conditions, and the constant exposure to unsanitary, hazardous, and sometimes dangerous materials. 

That said, being a garbage man is a noble, respectable job that’s one of the most important professions in society, since garbage men work hard to keep communities, and the general environment, clean and safe.

Jason Sullivan
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