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Transportation · California

How to Become a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California earn a median salary of $64,890/year, which is 31% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.5%. After taxes and rent, a refuse and recyclable material collectors takes home approximately $2,793/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$65K
Median salary in California
+31%
vs. national average
3.5%
State income tax
13,930
Employed in California

What a refuse and recyclable material collectors can afford in California

Gross annual salary$64,890
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.5% state tax)$4,312/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,519/mo
Rent as % of take-home35.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$64,890/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,793/mo

Becoming a refuse and recyclable material collectors in California

1

Meet education requirements

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many refuse and recyclable material collectors positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for refuse and recyclable material collectorss. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 13,930 refuse and recyclable material collectors. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$87K$42.04/hr870
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$78K$37.29/hr2,040
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$73K$35.15/hr320
Napa$72K$34.83/hr90
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$69K$33.32/hr1,230
Salinas$69K$33.28/hr90
Merced$69K$32.95/hr70
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$67K$32.16/hr220
Fresno$66K$31.71/hr390
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$66K$31.71/hr910
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$64K$30.98/hr,
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$62K$30.04/hr4,210
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$62K$29.78/hr1,280
Vallejo$62K$29.77/hr110
Chico$61K$29.45/hr30

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$46K
25th percentile
$55K
Median (50th)
$65K
75th percentile
$75K
90th percentile (senior)
$90K
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Full refuse and recyclable material collectors salary breakdown in California
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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a refuse and recyclable material collectors make in California?

The median refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in California is $64,890 per year ($31.2/hr). This is 31% above the national median of $49,690. Salaries range from $45,970 to $90,370.

What are the requirements to become a refuse and recyclable material collectors in California?

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a refuse and recyclable material collectors afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $64,890, a refuse and recyclable material collectors in California would take home approximately $4,312/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,519/month, that's 35.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for refuse and recyclable material collectors in California?

The highest paying metro areas for refuse and recyclable material collectors in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($87,430), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($77,570), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($73,110). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for refuse and recyclable material collectors?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.5%. On a $64,890 salary, this means roughly $2,289/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.