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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Tennessee
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Tennessee?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$43,270
Median Annual Salary
▲
+12.2% vs 2024
$44,320
Mean Salary
$43,270
Median Salary
$20.80
Hourly Rate
2,550 people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary by percentile in Tennessee
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee earn a median salary of $43,270 per year ($3,605/month).
This is 14.4% below the national average of $50,528.
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 51 states for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay.
Approximately 2,550 people work in this occupation across Tennessee.
Salaries increased by 12.2% 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 Tennessee
Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee range from $28,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $61,400 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,410 and $57,330.
Median $43,270
P10: $28,390P25: $35,410P75: $57,330P90: $61,400
10th
$28,390
25th
$35,410
Median
$43,270
75th
$57,330
90th
$61,400
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$28,390
$13.65
$2,365
25th Percentile
$35,410
$17.02
$2,950
Median (50th)
$43,270
$20.80
$3,605
75th Percentile
$57,330
$27.56
$4,777
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$61,400
$29.52
$5,116
Note: The mean (average) salary of $44,320 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#41
Tennessee ranks #41 of 51 states
$50,528
National avg. for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee is $43,270 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $44,320.
What is the salary range for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee?
Salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee range from $28,390 at the 10th percentile to $61,400 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $35,410 and $57,330.
What is the starting salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee?
Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors positions in Tennessee typically start around $28,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,410 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,550 people are employed as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee is approximately $20.80 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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