Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in California
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California earn a median annual wage of $64,890 —30.6% above the national median of $49,690. That ranks CA #4 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.81× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Highest-paying states for refuse and recyclable material collectors
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $75,050 | $36.08 | 4,910 | 0.85 |
| 2 | Washington | $74,620 | $35.88 | 3,750 | 1.12 |
| 3 | New York | $64,950 | $31.23 | 11,630 | 1.27 |
| 4 | California | $64,890 | $31.20 | 13,930 | 0.81 |
| 5 | Oregon | $63,210 | $30.39 | 2,500 | 1.34 |
| 6 | Minnesota | $62,570 | $30.08 | 2,500 | 0.89 |
| 7 | Nevada | $61,310 | $29.47 | 770 | 0.52 |
| 8 | Delaware | $61,290 | $29.47 | 600 | 1.31 |
| 9 | Colorado | $60,310 | $29.00 | 3,700 | 1.36 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | $59,810 | $28.76 | 1,550 | 0.55 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $44,710 | $40,240 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $42,870 | $37,330 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $60,230 | $58,640 |
| Light Truck Drivers | $46,790 | $44,860 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,770 | $46,420 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $65,550 | $62,890 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do refuse and recyclable material collectors make in California?
The median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors in California is $64,890, or $31.20 per hour. That is 30.6% above the national median of $49,690.
What is the entry-level refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $45,970 per year ($22.10/hour). The 25th percentile is $55,420.
How many people work as refuse and recyclable material collectors in California?
About 13,930 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.8 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for refuse and recyclable material collectors?
California ranks #4 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.81x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Which state pays refuse and recyclable material collectors the most?
Illinois has the highest median wage at $75,050 per year, followed by Washington ($74,620) and New York ($64,950).