When considering a stable and essential career, the role of a trash collector—or more formally, a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector—is often overlooked. Yet, this physically demanding job is the backbone of public health and sanitation in every community. Beyond its societal importance, it offers surprising earning potential, robust benefits, and a stable career path without the need for a four-year degree.
The average salary for a trash collector in the United States typically falls between $40,000 and $58,000 per year. However, top earners in high-demand locations can make upwards of $77,000 annually. This guide will break down the salary you can expect and the key factors that determine your earning potential in this vital profession.
What Does a Trash Collector Do?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are responsible for the safe and efficient collection of garbage, recyclables, and yard waste from residential and commercial properties. While the core task involves collecting waste, the role is far more complex than it appears.
Key responsibilities include:
- Operating heavy-duty trucks equipped with hydraulic lifting mechanisms.
- Maneuvering vehicles through tight residential streets and busy commercial areas.
- Lifting and moving heavy bins and containers.
- Adhering to strict safety protocols to prevent injury and property damage.
- Following scheduled routes to ensure timely collection for all customers.
- Sometimes sorting recyclable materials at the curb or at a facility.
This is a physically strenuous job that requires strength, endurance, and a keen awareness of one's surroundings.
Average Trash Collector Salary
When analyzing salary data for trash collectors, it's essential to consult authoritative sources that provide a complete picture.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released in May 2023, the median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors was $49,190, which translates to $23.65 per hour.
The BLS data also provides a detailed look at the earning spectrum:
- Lowest 10%: Earned less than $31,520
- Median (50%): Earned $49,190
- Highest 10%: Earned more than $77,910
Salary aggregator websites provide similar figures, reflecting real-world compensation packages. For instance, Salary.com reports a median salary of around $46,800, with a typical range falling between $39,000 and $56,000. Glassdoor places the average total pay (including tips and bonuses) at approximately $48,000 per year.
It is important to note that these figures often represent base salary. Many positions, especially unionized or government jobs, include significant overtime pay, comprehensive benefits packages (health, dental, vision), and pensions, which substantially increase the overall compensation.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as a trash collector is not a single, fixed number. It varies significantly based on several factors.
### Level of Education
For most trash collector positions, a college degree is not required. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the standard educational requirement. Therefore, education level has a minimal direct impact on base salary. However, obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is often a mandatory prerequisite and a key factor for securing the job and higher pay. Specialized training or certifications in handling hazardous materials can also lead to more lucrative, specialized roles.
### Years of Experience
Experience is a primary driver of salary growth in this field.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): New collectors will typically start at the lower end of the salary scale, often in the $31,000 to $40,000 range, as they learn the routes, equipment, and safety procedures.
- Mid-Career (3-9 years): With several years of experience, a collector's efficiency and reliability are proven. Salaries at this stage often climb to the national median, from $45,000 to $55,000.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Veteran collectors with a decade or more of experience can command the highest salaries, often exceeding $60,000. Many also move into supervisory, training, or logistics roles, which come with increased responsibility and pay.
### Geographic Location
Where you work is one of the most significant factors influencing your earnings. Salaries are often higher in states with a higher cost of living and strong municipal unions.
According to the BLS, the top-paying states for refuse and recyclable material collectors are:
1. Washington: Average annual salary of $66,130
2. California: Average annual salary of $62,990
3. Massachusetts: Average annual salary of $62,560
4. Illinois: Average annual salary of $60,110
5. Oregon: Average annual salary of $59,310
Conversely, salaries tend to be lower in southern states and rural areas where the cost of living is less.
### Company Type
The type of employer you work for plays a crucial role in your salary and benefits.
- Local Government (Municipalities): The BLS identifies local government as the highest-paying employer for this profession, with a median salary often exceeding that of the private sector. These positions frequently come with strong union representation, excellent health benefits, and valuable pension plans.
- Private Waste Management Companies: Large national companies like Waste Management and Republic Services are major employers. While their salaries are competitive, they can vary widely by region. These jobs may offer different benefit structures and bonus opportunities compared to public sector roles.
- Small, Local Haulers: Smaller, independent companies may offer more varied pay scales, which could be higher or lower than the industry average depending on their local market.
### Area of Specialization
Not all collection jobs are the same. Specializing can lead to higher pay.
- Residential vs. Commercial: Commercial collectors, who handle large dumpsters from businesses and construction sites, may earn more due to the complexity of the equipment and routes.
- Standard Waste vs. Recycling: While often paid similarly, specialized roles in recycling facilities or managing specific recyclable materials can sometimes offer different pay scales.
- Hazardous Waste Disposal: This is a highly specialized and higher-paying field. Workers who collect and dispose of hazardous materials require extensive training and certification, and they are compensated accordingly for the increased risk and knowledge required.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for trash collectors is very stable. The BLS projects that employment for refuse and recyclable material collectors will grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
This stability is logical: as long as populations grow and households and businesses produce waste, there will be a consistent need for professionals to manage it. This makes it a recession-resistant career field that provides long-term job security.
Conclusion
A career as a trash collector is a physically demanding but rewarding path that offers a solid middle-class income, strong benefits, and exceptional job security—all without the need for an expensive college degree.
For anyone considering this profession, the key takeaways are:
- Solid Earning Potential: With a national median salary around $49,190, earnings are competitive and can exceed $77,000 for top earners.
- Experience Pays: Your salary will grow significantly as you gain experience and prove your reliability.
- Location and Employer Matter: Working for a municipal government in a high-paying state is the most direct route to maximizing your income.
- A Stable Future: The essential nature of waste collection ensures a steady demand for qualified professionals for years to come.
If you are a dependable, physically fit individual looking for a stable career that serves your community, becoming a trash collector is an excellent option worth serious consideration.