Refuse Collector salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Refuse Collector in United States is approximately 32,676 USD (32,767 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Refuse Collector do?

A refuse collector, also known as a waste management worker or garbage collector, is responsible for the collection and disposal of waste materials from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Their main duties include driving garbage trucks to designated locations, emptying trash bins into the truck, and ensuring that waste is properly sorted and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. Refuse collectors may also be required to operate compactors and other equipment, as well as maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their work areas.

Skills: refuse collector, waste management worker, garbage collector, waste disposal, environmental regulations, sanitation maintenance.
Job industry: Waste management

How much does Refuse Collector make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Refuse Collector a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Refuse Collector is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Refuse Collector might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Refuse Collector?

High salary for Refuse Collector would be somewhere between 35,944 USD and 47,380 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Refuse Collector in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 32,676 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,723 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 628 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 16 USD per hour
By working as Refuse Collector a person can save up to 451 USD per month or 5,407 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Refuse Collector

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

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