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.
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.
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.
Getting into garbage truck driving follows a clear path. Here is what it looks like from a standard car licence to your first shift.
Hold your car licence for 12 to 24 months
Complete training with an RTO
Pass the theory and driving test
Apply for waste and recycling roles
Licence training costs depend on which class you choose and how many hours you need. Here is what TDT Training charges for each option.
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.
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.
$55,685 to $83,736 a year (SalaryExpert, 2026)
$77,642 a year on average, the national figure (SalaryExpert, July 2026)
$55,187 to $88,106 a year (SalaryExpert, 2025)
$77,642 a year on average, the national figure (SalaryExpert, July 2026)
$52,583 to $79,072 a year (SalaryExpert, July 2026)
$77,642 a year on average, the national figure (SalaryExpert, July 2026)
$70,632 a year on average (ERI, 2026)
No dedicated data published. The national range of $57,675 to $86,730 a year applies (SalaryExpert, July 2026)
The job is more than just driving. Most shifts start early and follow a set collection route through suburban streets or industrial areas.
Pay climbs steadily as you build experience and licence endorsements. Here is the breakdown based on SalaryExpert data from July 2026.
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 |
Head of Sales & Business Development
Chris writes about trucking, logistics, and transport industry trends.
