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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$64,890
Median Annual Salary
▲
+5.3% vs 2024
$66,300
Mean Salary
$64,890
Median Salary
$31.20
Hourly Rate
13,930 people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California earn a median salary of $64,890 per year ($5,407/month).
This is 28.4% above the national average of $50,528.
California ranks #4 out of 51 states for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay.
Approximately 13,930 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 5.3% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Top Skills
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Operation and Control
3.0
Active Listening
2.88
Speaking
2.88
Critical Thinking
2.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
3.22
English Language
2.8
Transportation
2.6
Customer and Personal Service
2.55
Public Safety and Security
2.55
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(81.5% of workers)
Salary Range: Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California
Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California range from $45,970 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $90,370 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $55,420 and $75,070.
Median $64,890
P10: $45,970P25: $55,420P75: $75,070P90: $90,370
10th
$45,970
25th
$55,420
Median
$64,890
75th
$75,070
90th
$90,370
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$45,970
$22.10
$3,830
25th Percentile
$55,420
$26.64
$4,618
Median (50th)
$64,890
$31.20
$5,407
75th Percentile
$75,070
$36.09
$6,255
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$90,370
$43.45
$7,530
Note: The mean (average) salary of $66,300 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#4
California ranks #4 of 51 states
$50,528
National avg. for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in California?
The median annual salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California is $64,890 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $66,300.
What is the salary range for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California?
Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California range from $45,970 at the 10th percentile to $90,370 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $55,420 and $75,070.
What is the starting salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California?
Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors positions in California typically start around $45,970 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $55,420 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 13,930 people are employed as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California is approximately $31.20 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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