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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$49,850
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.1% vs 2024
$51,120
Mean Salary
$49,850
Median Salary
$23.97
Hourly Rate
1,780 people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary by percentile in Iowa

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

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $38,220$38,22025th25% earn less than $46,190$46,190MedianHalf earn more than $49,850$49,85075th75% earn less than $58,050$58,05090thTop 10% earn more than $63,350$63,350

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa earn a median salary of $49,850 per year ($4,154/month). This is 1.3% below the national average of $50,528. Iowa ranks #23 out of 51 states for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay. Approximately 1,780 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 2.1% 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 Iowa

Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa range from $38,220 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $63,350 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,190 and $58,050.

Median $49,850
P10: $38,220 P25: $46,190 P75: $58,050 P90: $63,350
10th
$38,220
25th
$46,190
Median
$49,850
75th
$58,050
90th
$63,350
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $38,220 $18.38 $3,185
25th Percentile $46,190 $22.21 $3,849
Median (50th) $49,850 $23.97 $4,154
75th Percentile $58,050 $27.91 $4,837
90th Percentile (Experienced) $63,350 $30.46 $5,279

Note: The mean (average) salary of $51,120 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#23
Iowa ranks #23 of 51 states
$50,528
National avg. for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
-1.3%
vs. national average
Near Average

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

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

Explore Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Data in Iowa

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 Iowa?
The median annual salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa is $49,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $51,120.
What is the salary range for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa?
Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa range from $38,220 at the 10th percentile to $63,350 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,190 and $58,050.
What is the starting salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa?
Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors positions in Iowa typically start around $38,220 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,190 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,780 people are employed as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Iowa is approximately $23.97 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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