Helper / Laborer Salary
Salary Breakdown
Top Paying Cities
| City | State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York | NY | $40,000 |
| San Francisco | CA | $38,000 |
| Seattle | WA | $37,000 |
| Boston | MA | $36,000 |
| Los Angeles | CA | $35,000 |
About This Role
Helpers and laborers assist CDL drivers with residential and commercial waste collection, manually loading bins and debris into collection trucks. They also work at transfer stations and landfills performing general labor tasks such as site cleanup and material handling. This physically demanding role is often a starting point for careers in waste management.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Helper and laborer positions remain widely available as waste collection is an essential service with consistent turnover. Many companies offer clear advancement paths from helper to driver positions, often sponsoring CDL training for reliable employees. Wages are rising in competitive labor markets as haulers work to improve retention rates.
Helper / Laborer Jobs Hiring Now
- Weekend Junk Removal Helper – $15–18/hr – Saturdays & Sundays RequiredPart-TimeQueen City Hauling, LLC · Charlotte, NC
- Junk Removal Specialist/General LaborerFull-TimeCollege Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving · Orland Park, IL
- Part-Time Junk Removal HelperPart-TimeStellar Windows · Tucson, AZ
- Junk Removal Specialist/General LaborerFull-TimeCollege Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving · Sparks, NV
- Valet Trash Helper (Part Time) Night Collector (Must Have Own Open Bed Pickup Truck)Part-TimeLove Waste Management · Sherman, TX
Helper / Laborer Career Path & Salary Expectations
A career as a helper / laborer in the waste management industry offers a clear trajectory from entry-level positions starting around $25,000 per year to senior roles earning $44,000 or more annually. With the national average sitting at $32,000 ($15.50/hr), professionals in this field can expect competitive compensation that grows with experience, certifications, and geographic location. Top-paying markets like New York offer salaries as high as $40,000. Whether you are just entering the waste and recycling industry or looking to advance your career, investing in relevant skills and certifications is the most reliable path to higher earning potential in this essential and growing sector.