Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector Salary in 2026
How Much Do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Make?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors earn a median annual salary of $48,350 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,810 at the 10th percentile to $75,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $43,390. The highest-paying state is Washington at $71,440.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,810 |
| 25th percentile | $38,330 |
| Median (50th) | $48,350 |
| 75th percentile | $61,010 |
| 90th percentile | $75,200 |
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $71,440 |
| Nevada | $65,440 |
| New York | $64,550 |
| Illinois | $61,880 |
| California | $61,650 |
| Minnesota | $61,630 |
| Oregon | $61,040 |
| Colorado | $60,610 |
| Wisconsin | $60,390 |
| Massachusetts | $59,540 |
| Michigan | $59,290 |
| Indiana | $59,260 |
| Hawaii | $55,330 |
| District of Columbia | $53,870 |
| Rhode Island | $51,450 |
| Montana | $51,230 |
| Utah | $50,720 |
| New Jersey | $50,700 |
| North Dakota | $50,440 |
| Vermont | $49,200 |
| Iowa | $48,830 |
| Ohio | $48,730 |
| Idaho | $48,200 |
| Wyoming | $47,970 |
| Nebraska | $47,490 |
| Delaware | $46,950 |
| Florida | $46,890 |
| New Mexico | $46,810 |
| Missouri | $46,760 |
| Virginia | $46,080 |
| Connecticut | $45,760 |
| Texas | $45,710 |
| Maine | $43,220 |
| Georgia | $43,000 |
| New Hampshire | $42,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,690 |
| Kansas | $42,540 |
| North Carolina | $40,500 |
| Maryland | $40,080 |
| Alabama | $39,850 |
| Arizona | $39,650 |
| Tennessee | $38,570 |
| South Carolina | $37,380 |
| Kentucky | $36,930 |
| Louisiana | $36,890 |
| Oklahoma | $36,850 |
| Alaska | $36,830 |
| Arkansas | $36,640 |
| West Virginia | $36,630 |
| Mississippi | $36,070 |
| South Dakota | $33,030 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$31,810 – $38,330 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$48,350 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$61,010 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $75,200+ |
How to Earn More as a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn $77,300 — $28,950 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($61,010) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorthis career | $48,350 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Worker | $48,490 |
| Highway Maintenance Worker | $49,070 |
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SOC: 53-7081.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.