Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary 2025: $49,690 Median, Top Pay Over $75K
Refuse and recyclable material collectors earned a median salary of $49,690 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage works out to about $24. Pay ranges from $33,590 at the 10th percentile to $75,900 at the 90th, meaning experienced collectors in high-paying areas can earn well above the national average.
How much Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors earn
The occupation paid a mean annual wage of $52,820, or roughly $24 per hour. Half of all workers earn between $33,590 and $75,900. The top 10% pull in over $75,900, while the bottom 10% make under $33,590.
Pay varies significantly by employer type and location. Local government jobs, for instance, often offer higher wages and better benefits than private waste collection firms. Overtime is common in this role, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
Pay by state
Illinois tops the list at $75,050 average annual wage, followed by Washington ($74,620), New York ($64,950), California ($64,890), and Oregon ($63,210). At the other end, Arkansas ($35,640), South Carolina ($34,880), and South Dakota ($32,950) pay the least. Cost of living differences partly explain the spread — but union presence and local demand also play a role.
How to become Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector
Most collectors start with a high school diploma or equivalent. No formal postsecondary education is required, but a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is often mandatory — especially for driving large collection trucks. Many employers provide on-the-job training lasting a few weeks.
Steps to get hired: Earn a high school diploma or GED. Obtain a CDL (class B or higher) if the job involves driving. Apply to local sanitation departments, private waste companies, or recycling centers. Pass a background check and drug screening. Complete employer-provided safety and equipment training.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 0.9% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 16,900 job openings each year, most of which will arise from workers retiring or leaving the field. Current employment stands at 147,240. While growth is sluggish, steady turnover ensures consistent hiring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector?
The median annual salary is $49,690, according to BLS data. The mean wage is $52,820, or roughly $24 per hour.
How do I become a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector?
You typically need a high school diploma, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and on-the-job training. Some employers provide CDL training.
Is the job outlook for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors good?
Projected growth is 0.9% (slower than average), but about 16,900 openings per year are expected due to turnover. It's a stable occupation with consistent demand.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors data.