SalaryNode

Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Birmingham, AL

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $45,830. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,720, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this sector within the Birmingham metropolitan area. The specific pay rates are often tied to the cost of doing business and the overall economic health of the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,250.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 430 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, Birmingham presents a moderately sized employment base for this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential services within the local economy. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.822) further reinforces this picture of a consistent, steady market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,830

The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Birmingham, AL earns-11.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22

Weekly

$881

Monthly

$3,819

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and potentially supervisory roles can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement, with senior collectors earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$34,750$16.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,373$16.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$46,630$22.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,288$27.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$62,250$29.9

Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $45,830 in Birmingham, AL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable standard of living to that experienced elsewhere in the country.

Job Market Context

430

Total Jobs

0.822

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Birmingham, AL has 0.91x the national average concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.91 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Birmingham, AL, signifies that the concentration of this occupation in the area is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and demand exists, it is not disproportionately concentrated compared to other regions. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Birmingham, AL is $45,830. This typically ranges from $34,750 for entry-level positions to $62,250 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 11.4% lower than the national median of $51,720.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $45,830 is below the national average of $51,720 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?

The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($45,750) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

How does Birmingham's cost of living affect the salary?

Birmingham's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $45,830 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary for this role, despite being lower in nominal terms.

Is there high demand for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Birmingham?

The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests demand is close to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these workers in Birmingham.

What is the total number of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Birmingham?

There are approximately 430 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors employed in Birmingham, AL.

How does experience impact salary for this role in Birmingham?

Experience is a key factor in salary progression. Entry-level collectors will earn less, while those with significant experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more, reflecting career advancement opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.822 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.