How to Become a Recycling and Reclamation Worker in 2026
Median salary: $38,940 · +1.5% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Recycling and Reclamation Worker do?
Prepare and sort materials or products for recycling. Identify and remove hazardous substances. Dismantle components of products such as appliances.
Recycling and Reclamation Worker Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Recycling and Reclamation Workers is $38,940. The bottom 10% earn around $30,810 while the top 10% earn over $53,180.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $30,810 |
| Early career (P25) | $35,410 |
| Median | $38,940 |
| Experienced (P75) | $46,370 |
| Top earners (P90) | $53,180 |
Highest-paying metros
Recycling and Reclamation Worker salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $45,850 |
| Alaska | $45,720 |
| Minnesota | $45,440 |
| Colorado | $45,210 |
| District of Columbia | $45,140 |
| Massachusetts | $45,070 |
| North Dakota | $44,630 |
| Hawaii | $44,050 |
| New York | $43,660 |
| Iowa | $43,370 |
| Oregon | $43,110 |
| California | $42,660 |
| Wisconsin | $42,290 |
| Kentucky | $41,770 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,170 |
| Montana | $40,810 |
| Nebraska | $40,640 |
| Vermont | $40,480 |
| Maryland | $40,240 |
| Connecticut | $40,170 |
| Maine | $40,080 |
| Kansas | $39,960 |
| Illinois | $39,840 |
| Indiana | $39,820 |
| Rhode Island | $39,820 |
| Utah | $39,570 |
| New Hampshire | $39,290 |
| Virginia | $39,240 |
| Arizona | $39,160 |
| New Jersey | $39,050 |
| Ohio | $38,990 |
| Michigan | $38,850 |
| Nevada | $38,420 |
| Delaware | $38,330 |
| Idaho | $38,270 |
| Wyoming | $38,210 |
| Missouri | $37,950 |
| Tennessee | $37,910 |
| South Dakota | $37,280 |
| South Carolina | $37,190 |
| Georgia | $37,030 |
| Texas | $37,010 |
| New Mexico | $37,000 |
| Florida | $36,980 |
| Oklahoma | $36,260 |
| North Carolina | $36,080 |
| West Virginia | $35,990 |
| Mississippi | $35,920 |
| Alabama | $35,780 |
| Arkansas | $35,090 |
| Louisiana | $33,330 |
How to earn more as a Recycling and Reclamation Worker
The salary range for Recycling and Reclamation Workers spans $22,370 — from $30,810 at entry level to $53,180 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Alaska nonmetropolitan area at $50,800 — $11,860 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (CDL, HAZMAT endorsement, forklift certification (OSHA))
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs run 3–8 weeks and cost $3K–$7K. Many trucking companies offer free CDL training in exchange for a 1-year employment commitment. Forklift certification (OSHA-compliant) takes 1–2 days. HAZMAT endorsement requires a written test and background check. Start with your state's DMV for CDL testing requirements.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (CDL, HAZMAT endorsement, forklift certification (OSHA))
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Driving experience of any kind transfers directly. If you hold a regular driver's license with a clean record, you're already partially qualified. Many trucking companies and delivery companies hire career changers with no prior commercial driving experience and provide all necessary training, often at no cost to you. Warehouse experience, logistics knowledge, and customer service skills are all valued by employers in this field.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Recycling and Reclamation Worker — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
See how your skills transfer — freeAI and automation outlook
The Recycling and Reclamation Worker role has a low AI exposure score — one of the safer careers from automation. Most day-to-day tasks require human judgment, physical presence, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Recycling and Reclamation Worker.
Get your personalized Recycling and Reclamation Worker transition plan
Includes step-by-step roadmap, skill gap analysis, financial feasibility, and salary comparison by city. Takes 2 minutes.
Get my personalized planFrequently asked questions
SOC: 53-7062.04 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034