Often overlooked, a career in waste management is not only one of the most essential services in our society but also a stable profession with strong earning potential. While the work is physically demanding, the compensation can be surprisingly competitive, with many professionals earning well above the national average wage. So, how much does a "trash man"—or more accurately, a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector—actually make?
This in-depth guide will break down the salary you can expect, the factors that influence your pay, and the long-term outlook for this vital career. For those seeking a stable job that doesn't require a college degree, the answer might be right at the curb.
What Does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand the role. The modern title for this job is Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector. These professionals are responsible for collecting and dumping refuse or recyclable materials from containers into trucks.
Key responsibilities often include:
- Operating heavy-duty trucks (often requiring a Commercial Driver's License or CDL).
- Maneuvering automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that lift and empty bins.
- Manually collecting and consolidating waste and recycling materials.
- Adhering to strict safety procedures and traffic laws.
- Performing routine vehicle inspections and maintenance.
- Interacting with the public and representing their employer professionally.
It’s a physically demanding, fast-paced job that requires reliability, physical stamina, and a keen awareness of safety.
Average Salary of a Trash Man
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors was $46,260 in May 2023. This equates to a median hourly wage of $22.24.
However, a "median" wage means half of all workers in the profession earned more than that amount and half earned less. The salary range is quite broad:
- The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,880.
- The top 10 percent earned more than $72,500.
Salary aggregators provide a similar picture. Salary.com reports that the typical range for a Garbage Collector in the United States usually falls between $42,101 and $55,420 as of May 2024, with top earners pushing past $60,000. This data confirms that with experience and in the right market, this career provides a solid, family-sustaining income.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as a refuse collector is not set in stone. Several key factors can significantly increase your earning potential.
### Level of Education & Certification
While a four-year degree is not required, specialized certification is a major factor in pay. The single most important credential is a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
- Non-CDL Collectors: Workers who primarily load trash without driving the truck (often called "helpers" or "swampers") are on the lower end of the pay scale.
- CDL Drivers: Professionals who operate the collection truck earn significantly more. A Class B CDL is typically required. Obtaining this license demonstrates a higher level of skill and responsibility, which employers compensate accordingly.
### Years of Experience
As with most professions, experience pays. An entry-level collector will start at the lower end of the salary range, while a seasoned veteran with a decade of experience and a clean safety record can command a much higher wage.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Expect a salary in the range of $35,000 to $45,000, depending on the other factors below.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): Earnings typically rise to the $45,000 to $60,000 range.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Highly experienced collectors, especially those who take on supervisory or training roles, can earn $65,000 or more.
### Geographic Location
Where you work is one of the biggest determinants of your salary. Pay for refuse collectors varies dramatically by state and metropolitan area, often due to cost of living, strength of local unions, and government contracts.
According to the BLS, the top-paying states for refuse and recyclable material collectors are:
1. Washington: Average annual salary of $64,360
2. California: Average annual salary of $61,540
3. Massachusetts: Average annual salary of $59,180
4. Illinois: Average annual salary of $58,350
5. Oregon: Average annual salary of $57,210
Working in a major metropolitan area within these states can push salaries even higher.
### Company Type
The type of employer you work for also plays a critical role in your compensation and benefits package.
- Municipal/Local Government: Working directly for a city or county often comes with excellent job security and robust benefits packages, including pensions, health insurance, and paid time off. While the base salary might sometimes be slightly lower than top private firms, the total compensation package is often superior.
- Private Waste Management Companies: Large national companies like Waste Management and Republic Services are major employers in this sector. They often offer competitive, market-driven wages and the potential for overtime and performance bonuses. Many positions at these companies are unionized, which can lead to higher negotiated wages and better working conditions.
### Area of Specialization
Not all collection routes are the same. Specializing in a particular type of waste collection can lead to higher pay due to increased skill, danger, or equipment requirements.
- Residential Collection: This is the most common form of collection and generally follows the standard pay scales.
- Commercial Collection: Drivers who service businesses with large dumpsters (front-load or rear-load trucks) often earn more due to the complexity of the vehicles and routes.
- Roll-Off Drivers: These specialists operate trucks that transport large, open-top containers for construction sites and industrial facilities. This is a highly skilled CDL position that typically commands a higher wage.
- Hazardous Waste Technician: This is a top-tier specialization. These professionals require extensive training and certification (like HAZWOPER) to handle and transport dangerous materials. Their salaries are significantly higher than standard refuse collectors, often exceeding $75,000 or more.
Job Outlook
The future for refuse and recyclable material collectors is very stable. The BLS projects that employment in this field will grow by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The reasoning is simple: as the population grows, so does the amount of trash and recycling that needs to be collected. This is an essential service that cannot be outsourced or fully automated in the foreseeable future. The BLS anticipates about 15,500 openings for refuse and recyclable material collectors each year over the decade, primarily from the need to replace workers who retire or transition to different occupations.
Conclusion: A Path to a Stable and Rewarding Career
A career as a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector offers far more than just a paycheck; it provides stability, essential service to the community, and a clear path to a solid middle-class income without the need for a college degree.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Professionals:
- Median Salary: You can expect a median salary of around $46,260 per year, with a realistic range of $40,000 to $60,000.
- Get Your CDL: Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License is the single most effective step you can take to maximize your earnings.
- Location Matters: Working in a high-paying state or a major metropolitan area can add tens of thousands of dollars to your annual salary.
- Experience is Rewarded: Longevity, a good safety record, and specialization can push your earnings well over $70,000.
For individuals who are physically capable and value job security, this career path is an excellent and often underestimated option in today's labor market.