Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in California
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California make a median of $61,650 a year, or about $29.64 an hour. The range runs from $42K at the entry level to $94K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $62K get you in California?
About refuse and recyclable material collectors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level refuse and recyclable material collectors (10th percentile) start around $42K. Mid-career wages sit at $62K.Top earners bring in $94K or more - a $52K spread from bottom to top.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $71K | +48% | 3,890 |
| Nevada | $65K | +35% | 600 |
| New York | $65K | +34% | 11,240 |
| Illinois | $62K | +28% | 4,940 |
| California | $62K | +28% | 13,240 |
| Minnesota | $62K | +27% | 2,260 |
| Oregon | $61K | +26% | 2,080 |
| Wisconsin | $60K | +25% | 1,330 |
| Massachusetts | $60K | +23% | 1,170 |
| Michigan | $59K | +23% | 3,680 |
| Indiana | $59K | +23% | 2,980 |
| Hawaii | $55K | +14% | 740 |
| District of Columbia | $54K | +11% | 550 |
| Rhode Island | $51K | +6% | 520 |
| Montana | $51K | +6% | 350 |
Track refuse and recyclable material collectors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do refuse and recyclable material collectors make in California?
The median is $61,650 a year - that works out to about $29.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $41,600, and experienced refuse and recyclable material collectors can clear $93,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $62K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,129/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 53.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a refuse and recyclable material collectors salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median refuse and recyclable material collectors salary is worth about $61,650 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do refuse and recyclable material collectors get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.