Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary (2025)
Based on 147,240 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $33,590 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $39,080 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $49,690 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $62,020 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $75,900 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$34K
25th
$39K
Median
$50K
75th
$62K
90th
$76K
Highest Paying States for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Washington | $71,690 |
| Illinois | $68,310 |
| New York | $67,130 |
| California | $66,300 |
| Nevada | $64,120 |
| Oregon | $62,930 |
| Minnesota | $59,790 |
| Delaware | $58,000 |
| Colorado | $57,860 |
| Utah | $56,420 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Washington at an average of $71,690 per year, while Utah has an average of $56,420 — a difference of $15,270. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 147,240 workers were employed as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Transportation and Material Moving Occupations. The annual mean wage of $52,820 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 53-7081