Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Tennessee
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee earn a median annual wage of $43,270 —12.9% below the national median of $49,690. That ranks TN #41 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 0.82× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in Tennessee.
Highest-paying states for refuse and recyclable material collectors
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Tennessee.
| Occupation | Tennessee median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $38,160 | $40,240 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $36,140 | $37,330 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $58,620 | $58,640 |
| Light Truck Drivers | $45,050 | $44,860 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $42,100 | $46,420 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $61,160 | $62,890 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do refuse and recyclable material collectors make in Tennessee?
The median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Tennessee is $43,270, or $20.80 per hour. That is 12.9% below the national median of $49,690.
What is the entry-level refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in Tennessee?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $28,390 per year ($13.65/hour). The 25th percentile is $35,410.
How many people work as refuse and recyclable material collectors in Tennessee?
About 2,550 people work in this occupation in Tennessee, or 0.8 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Tennessee a good state for refuse and recyclable material collectors?
Tennessee ranks #41 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.82x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in Tennessee.
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).