Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Who Earns More?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss out-earn Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss land at $49,690 and Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands 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 Collectorss is Illinois ($75,050); for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands 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 Collectorss or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss earn more nationally. The median is $49,690 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss versus $40,240 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands, 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?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Collectorss get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss 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 Collectorss earn $74,620 vs. $46,190 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.