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Awesome experience Scott Mckendry made the process so easy. Definitely recommend.
Ashley Filies
23 September 2026
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The trainer was professional, patient and explained everything clearly. I gained a lot of confidence and useful practical skills. Highly recommend!
Алексей Косов
18 September 2026
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TDT was a great first impression, everyone's amazing and super helpful. Personally i had Scott as my trainer and assessor when completing my Heavy Rigid truck licence. He was absolutely amazing, super friendly and talkative which helped with nerves as well as being super clear and simple with all of his instructions. Which ultimately made it super easy to drive without stressing about anything. Scott is really polite but really straight to the point, which I think is great. Thank you Scott and thank you tdt😃
Lachlan Walsh
17 September 2026
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Hi, I’ve done my HC with Ronnie he’s very helpful and polite. I had wonderful experience while training. I haven’t issue with communication with trainer, although I highly recommend to upgrade the all type of licenses. Thanks
Rohit punni
17 September 2026
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Had a great experience with TDT Driving School Australia. Ash is an excellent trainer—very supportive, patient, and professional throughout the whole process. He explains everything clearly, builds confidence, and makes sure every step is understood properly. His guidance and positive attitude made the learning experience much easier. A big thank you to Ash for all the support, patience, and encouragement throughout the journey. Really appreciate everything.
Karan Pruthi
17 September 2026
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My experience with TDT Training was excellent; I highly recommend my instructor, Ron, for his exceptional support. He provided clear, accessible explanations for all my questions and fostered a supportive environment that significantly boosted my confidence in driving. Looking forward to coming back for my HC licence in the future with Ron.
Elias Kabalan
17 September 2026
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I am so grateful to have had Scott who had shown me simple tricks about reverse. You were amazing Scott and of course TDT as a training provider were so so marvellous
kok Ayom
16 September 2026
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A huge thank you to David for helping me successfully get my HR licence! I was extremely nervous before my driving test, but David was incredibly patient, supportive and positive throughout the whole training session. He explained everything clearly and gave me plenty of opportunities to practise until I felt comfortable and confident. Thanks to his guidance and encouragement, I became much more confident and relaxed, and the test felt so much easier and more manageable. David is an excellent trainer who genuinely wants his students to succeed. I really appreciate all his patience, encouragement and support. Highly recommend David to anyone looking to get their HR licence. Thank you so much, David!
Jay Liang
15 September 2026
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Unparallel Training Memorable Experience with my Interstate HR Training. Vanessa gave great tips, clearing doubts and friendly advise and encouragement. Rohit Kumar gave constructive feedback and encouragement to boost morale. They are playing in rare air!
Harry Singh
14 September 2026
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Had the best instructor David Allen, He is very knowledgeable and help me get through the nervous stage of getting into a truck for the first time, His got a lot of experience in helping you learn. I really appreciate the time, effort and patience David put into the day of training.
Ger Vang
14 September 2026

Garbage Truck Driver Salaries TDT Guide

Published: August 04, 2026

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Garbage truck driving is one of the steadiest jobs in transport and waste management. You get set routes, regular hours, and a wage that holds up well against other entry-level heavy vehicle jobs.

So how much do garbage truck drivers make in Australia, and what licence do you need to get started? This guide breaks down the pay, the licence classes, and the training pathway.

Garbage Truck Driver Salary in Australia: Quick Answer

  1. Average salary - $77,642 a year, based on SalaryExpert data from July 2026.
  2. Typical range - $57,675 to $86,730 a year depending on experience.
  3. Average hourly rate - around $29.70 to $37.33 an hour, depending on the source and location.
  4. Licence needed - a Heavy Rigid (HR licence) for most garbage trucks, or a Medium Rigid (MR licence) for smaller two-axle collection trucks.

What Licence Do You Need to Drive a Garbage Truck?

Most garbage trucks are Heavy Rigid vehicles. They have three or more axles and a Gross Vehicle Mass over 8 tonnes, which puts them in the same licence class as concrete agitators and tippers.

Some smaller two-axle collection trucks only need a Medium Rigid licence. If you are not sure which class your target employer runs, ask before you book any training.

HR vs MR: What Is the Difference?

A Medium Rigid (MR) licence covers two-axle rigid trucks over 8 tonnes GVM. A Heavy Rigid (HR) licence covers rigid trucks with three or more axles and also lets you tow a trailer of up to 9 tonnes GVM.

Which One Should You Get?
Most waste and recycling operators prefer drivers with an HR licence, since it opens up more truck types and more shifts. If you are choosing between the two and can afford the extra training, HR is the safer long-term option.
garbage truck

How to Become a Garbage Truck Driver

Getting into garbage truck driving follows a clear path. Here is what it looks like from a standard car licence to your first shift.

Car
Licence

Hold your car licence for 12 to 24 months

Complete training with an RTO

Pass
Test

Pass the theory and driving test

Get
Hired

Apply for waste and recycling roles

How Much Does Garbage Truck Driver Licence Training Cost?

Licence training costs depend on which class you choose and how many hours you need. Here is what TDT Training charges for each option.

MR
$1,350
MR Licence, 8 hours, extreme novice
HR
$1,950
HR Licence, novice, 12 hours
HR
$2,650
HR Licence, non-synchro, 16 hours

Prices reflect published TDT Training pricing and do not include the VicRoads endorsement fee. Contact TDT Training directly to confirm current pricing before you book.

Garbage Truck Driver Salary by State

Capital city pay is shown as a from-and-to range across experience levels. Country pay is shown as a single average, since none of the major salary sites publish a separate regional breakdown.

Melbourne

$55,685 to $83,736 a year (SalaryExpert, 2026)

Country Victoria

$77,642 a year on average, the national figure (SalaryExpert, July 2026)

Sydney

$55,187 to $88,106 a year (SalaryExpert, 2025)

Country NSW

$77,642 a year on average, the national figure (SalaryExpert, July 2026)

Brisbane

$52,583 to $79,072 a year (SalaryExpert, July 2026)

Country QLD

$77,642 a year on average, the national figure (SalaryExpert, July 2026)

ACT

$70,632 a year on average (ERI, 2026)

WA, SA, TAS and NT

No dedicated data published. The national range of $57,675 to $86,730 a year applies (SalaryExpert, July 2026)

What Does a Garbage Truck Driver Do?

The job is more than just driving. Most shifts start early and follow a set collection route through suburban streets or industrial areas.

  • Drive a set collection route each shift
  • Operate the hydraulic lifting and compaction system
  • Complete a pre-trip vehicle inspection
  • Follow safe load limits and load restraint rules
  • Work alongside a loader or offsider on some routes
  • Transport collected waste to a transfer station or landfill
  • Follow WorkSafe Victoria site safety procedures
  • Keep accurate vehicle and route logbooks
garbage truck workers

Garbage Truck Driver Pay by Experience Level

Pay climbs steadily as you build experience and licence endorsements. Here is the breakdown based on SalaryExpert data from July 2026.

Entry Level1-3 years
$57,675/yr
AverageAll experience
$77,642/yr
Senior8+ years
$86,730/yr

What Do Different Salary Sources Say?

Different salary sites use different methods, so figures vary. Here is how the main ones compare.

Source Average Pay Date
SalaryExpert $77,642/yr ($37.33/hr) July 2026
Jooble $66,436/yr ($34.97/hr) May 2026
PayScale $29.70/hr 2026
Indeed (job listings) $38.89/hr (waste truck driver role, QLD) 2026
Tip
Pay varies a lot by operator, route, and whether you drive a rear loader, front loader, or side loader truck. Always check the exact rate in the job listing rather than relying on averages alone.

Garbage Truck Driver Salary FAQs

Garbage truck drivers in Australia earn between $57,675 and $86,730 a year, based on SalaryExpert data from July 2026. The typical hourly rate sits around $29.70 to $37.33 depending on experience and location.
Most garbage trucks need a Heavy Rigid (HR) licence because they have three or more axles and a GVM over 8 tonnes. Smaller two-axle collection trucks may only need a Medium Rigid (MR) licence.
Garbage truck driving pays a solid wage compared to many entry-level driving jobs, with PayScale putting the 2026 average at $29.70 an hour. Experienced drivers and those with an HR licence tend to earn more.
Melbourne garbage truck drivers earn an average of $77,924 a year, according to ERI salary data from 2026. Pay in regional Victoria can be slightly lower depending on the operator and route.
Most garbage truck drivers work early morning shifts, often starting before 5am to beat traffic and finish routes on time. Full-time roles typically run 38 to 45 hours a week, with overtime available during busy periods.
You need a Heavy Rigid or Medium Rigid licence, a clean driving record, and often a White Card for construction and waste sites. Most waste companies also provide on the job training once you are hired.

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Chris Davis

Head of Sales & Business Development

Chris writes about trucking, logistics, and transport industry trends.