Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Who Earns More?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors out-earn Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors land at $49,690 and Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand at $40,240. The education gap is real: refuse and recyclable material collector programs typically require no formal educational credential, while laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors is Illinois ($75,050); for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand it's Minnesota ($46,280).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors earn more nationally. The median is $49,690 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors versus $40,240 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, a difference of $9K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand has the better 10-year outlook at 1.5% projected growth, compared to 0.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically requires no formal educational credential. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors at $75,050/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors earn $74,620 vs. $46,190 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.