Route Manager / Supervisor Salary
Salary Breakdown
Top Paying Cities
| City | State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | TX | $75,000 |
| Los Angeles | CA | $74,000 |
| Chicago | IL | $72,000 |
| Atlanta | GA | $69,000 |
| Phoenix | AZ | $67,000 |
About This Role
Route managers oversee daily waste collection operations, coordinating driver schedules, optimizing routes for efficiency, and ensuring service level agreements are met. They manage teams of CDL drivers and helpers while tracking fleet performance metrics. This role bridges field operations and upper management.
Key Skills
Certifications
Job Outlook
Route management positions are expected to grow as waste haulers expand into new service areas and adopt route optimization technology. Companies increasingly seek candidates with both field experience and data analytics skills to improve operational efficiency. Advancement opportunities into district or regional management roles are common.
Route Manager / Supervisor Career Path & Salary Expectations
A career as a route manager / supervisor in the waste management industry offers a clear trajectory from entry-level positions starting around $48,000 per year to senior roles earning $95,000 or more annually. With the national average sitting at $67,000 ($32.00/hr), professionals in this field can expect competitive compensation that grows with experience, certifications, and geographic location. Top-paying markets like Houston offer salaries as high as $75,000. 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.