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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$75,050
Median Annual Salary
▲ +21.3% vs 2024
$68,310
Mean Salary
$75,050
Median Salary
$36.08
Hourly Rate
4,910 people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $38,790$38,79025th25% earn less than $58,750$58,750MedianHalf earn more than $75,050$75,05075th75% earn less than $84,300$84,30090thTop 10% earn more than $88,640$88,640

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois earn a median salary of $75,050 per year ($6,254/month). This is 48.5% above the national average of $50,528. Illinois ranks #1 out of 51 states for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay. Approximately 4,910 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 21.3% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois

Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois range from $38,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $88,640 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $58,750 and $84,300.

Median $75,050
P10: $38,790 P25: $58,750 P75: $84,300 P90: $88,640
10th
$38,790
25th
$58,750
Median
$75,050
75th
$84,300
90th
$88,640
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $38,790 $18.65 $3,232
25th Percentile $58,750 $28.25 $4,895
Median (50th) $75,050 $36.08 $6,254
75th Percentile $84,300 $40.53 $7,025
90th Percentile (Experienced) $88,640 $42.62 $7,386

Note: The mean (average) salary of $68,310 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
Illinois ranks #1 of 51 states
$50,528
National avg. for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
+48.5%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Data in Illinois

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary by State

Compare Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois is $75,050 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $68,310.
What is the salary range for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois?
Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois range from $38,790 at the 10th percentile to $88,640 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $58,750 and $84,300.
What is the starting salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois?
Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors positions in Illinois typically start around $38,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $58,750 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,910 people are employed as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois is approximately $36.08 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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