How Much Do Street Sweepers Make in California (2025)

In California, street sweeper operators typically earn about $22–$35 per hour in base pay ($46,000–$73,000 per year), with unionized municipal roles in major cities often paying $30–$40 per hour ($62,000–$83,000). Private contractors generally fall in the $20–$28 per hour range ($42,000–$58,000). With night-shift premiums and overtime—common in this job—total annual compensation can reach roughly $60,000–$95,000, depending on location and schedule. These figures reflect prevailing 2024–2025 postings and California public pay schedules.

What the role covers

Street sweeper operators drive and maintain specialized sweepers to keep roadways, bike lanes, and curbs clear of debris. Most positions require night or early-morning shifts to avoid traffic, a clean driving record, and, for many employers, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class B. Operators may also perform routine maintenance, fill out route logs, and respond to service requests after storms, parades, or construction work.

Public vs. private sector pay

Municipal and county positions

In city and county agencies, street sweeping is often a union-represented role with step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and robust benefits. Base pay commonly runs $27–$40 per hour depending on city, tenure, and classification (e.g., equipment operator, public works maintenance worker). Night-work premiums ($0.75–$2.00 per hour) and overtime for storm response and special events are typical. Benefits often include CalPERS or similar pension, health insurance, paid leave, and tool/boot stipends.

Private contractors

Private sweeping companies servicing municipalities, malls, and construction sites tend to offer lower base rates than large coastal cities’ public agencies, typically $20–$28 per hour in California. Schedules can be heavy on nights and weekends, with overtime available during peak seasons. Benefits vary by employer but usually include health coverage and a 401(k), with fewer pension-style offerings.

Regional pay snapshots across California

Pay for street sweeper operators varies widely by region due to cost of living, union density, and municipal budgets. The following regional ranges reflect common listings and public pay schedules seen in 2024–2025.

• San Francisco Bay Area: Frequently $30–$40 per hour in municipal roles; private contractor rates often $24–$30 per hour.
• Los Angeles and Orange County: Municipal rates commonly $28–$38 per hour; private contractor roles around $22–$28 per hour.
• San Diego County: Municipal $27–$36 per hour; private contractor $22–$28 per hour.
• Inland Empire and Central Valley: Municipal $25–$33 per hour; private contractor $20–$26 per hour.
• Northern and rural counties: Municipal $24–$32 per hour; private contractor $20–$25 per hour.

These ranges capture base pay. Night differentials and overtime can add materially to take-home pay, especially on routes scheduled after 10 p.m. or during storm cleanup.

What most influences your paycheck

Several predictable factors drive pay differences for street sweeper operators across California.

• Employer type: Unionized city/county roles generally pay more than private contractors and include stronger benefits.
• Region: Bay Area and coastal metros outpay inland and rural areas due to higher living costs and larger municipal budgets.
• License and endorsements: A CDL Class B with air-brake endorsement is often required and can command higher wages.
• Shift and schedule: Night work, weekends, and storm response typically earn premiums and overtime.
• Experience and equipment: Seniority and proficiency with different sweeper types (mechanical, regenerative air, vacuum) support higher steps.
• Union agreements: Step raises, COLAs, and differential pay are set in collective bargaining agreements at many agencies.

Taken together, these levers help explain why two operators with similar duties can see significant differences in annual earnings.

Typical requirements and credentials

Meeting baseline qualifications can broaden job options and improve pay prospects.

• CDL Class B (often with air-brake endorsement); some roles train to obtain the CDL shortly after hire.
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a DOT physical and drug/alcohol screening.
• Night/early-morning availability and comfort with solo routes.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for pre-trip inspections and light maintenance.
• Familiarity with route logs, mobile dispatch apps, and safety protocols (PPE, traffic control).

Candidates who bring a current CDL and documented heavy-equipment experience tend to start at higher steps or progress more quickly.

How pay compares to similar California roles

If you’re weighing options in related fields, these are typical California ranges seen in recent postings and public schedules.

• Solid waste/recycling collection (CDL B): Often $25–$40 per hour depending on city and union contract.
• Highway maintenance workers: Commonly $23–$33 per hour, with overtime during weather events.
• Heavy equipment operators (construction): About $28–$45 per hour in union roles; wide variance by project and region.
• Local delivery drivers (CDL B): Roughly $24–$32 per hour, with incentives for nights or hazardous materials endorsements.

Street sweeping sits mid-range among CDL B pathways, with municipal routes in large cities competing well on total compensation.

Ways to increase earnings

Operators can take concrete steps to move up pay scales and qualify for higher-paying assignments.

1. Earn or upgrade your CDL (add air-brake and, if useful locally, tanker/hazmat endorsements).
2. Target municipal job openings in high-cost metros with established union contracts and shift differentials.
3. Volunteer for night and storm-response shifts to capture premiums and overtime.
4. Build cross-equipment proficiency (mechanical broom, vacuum, regenerative air) to qualify for premium assignments.
5. Complete safety and equipment-maintenance trainings that agencies recognize for step increases.

Combining credentials with strategic employer choices typically yields the most rapid pay growth in this field.

Notes on methodology and timing

This overview synthesizes 2024–2025 California municipal pay tables, union agreements, and private job postings across multiple regions. Because each city, county, and contractor sets its own classifications and steps, individual offers may fall outside the ranges shown. California’s statewide minimum wage is $16.00 per hour in 2025; local ordinances in several cities are higher and can influence entry steps for related classifications.

Summary

In 2025, most street sweeper operators in California earn $22–$35 per hour in base pay, with unionized city roles in major metros reaching $30–$40. Private contractors typically pay $20–$28. Night shifts, overtime, and regional cost-of-living differences play a major role, pushing total annual compensation into the $60,000–$95,000 range for many operators.

Does Jack in the Box pay $20 an hour in California?

As of Sep 15, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Jack In The Box in California is $15.15 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $19.22 and as low as $5.22, the majority of Jack In The Box salaries currently range between $13.27 (25th percentile) to $16.35 (75th percentile) in California.

How much is street sweeping per hour?

The majority of street sweeping services will charge between $45-$75 per hour in the U.S. Let’s take a closer look at how much you can expect to pay for parking lot cleanings and street sweeping services.

What is the highest paid sweeper?

Sweeper Salary

	Annual Salary	Hourly Wage
Top Earners	$36,000	$17
75th Percentile	$34,000	$16
Average	$32,200	$15
25th Percentile	$29,500	$14

How much do Caltrans street sweepers make?

The average Sweeper Crew base salary at Caltrans is $48K per year.