Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in California
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $64,290, significantly surpassing the national average of $51,720. This elevated compensation is likely driven by California's robust economy, higher operational costs, and potentially stricter environmental regulations that necessitate specialized collection and handling services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,900.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,240 individuals, the demand for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California appears stable. The location quotient of 0.81 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the sheer size of the workforce indicates a consistent need for these essential services across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California earns+24.3%above the national average.
$30.9
$1,236
$5,358
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would align with broader economic patterns and the increasing emphasis on waste management and recycling initiatives, likely leading to higher average earnings for professionals in this field.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The gap between lower and higher percentile earnings signifies the value placed on experience, specialized skills, and potentially supervisory responsibilities within the waste management sector, offering a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $41,600 | $20 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $48,218 | $23.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,650 | $29.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $80,363 | $38.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $93,900 | $45.1 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,419
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the average annual salary of $64,290 in California is attractive, prospective and current residents must consider the state's high cost of living, indexed at 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of the $64,290 salary is considerably less than the national average, requiring careful financial planning to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
13,240
Total Jobs
0.733
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
California has 0.81x 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.
The location quotient of 0.81 indicates that Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector roles are slightly less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for these professionals, and opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific regional needs rather than a widespread abundance of positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $52,990↓ 18% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $52,920↓ 18% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $54,430↓ 15% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $54,590↓ 15% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $64,970↑ 1% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in California?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California is $64,290. This typically ranges from $41,600 for entry-level positions to $93,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 24.3% higher than the national median of $51,720.
Is California a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Yes, with a caveat.California offers a higher average salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors than the national average, but the elevated cost of living significantly impacts real income.
Is California a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($52,990) and Visalia, CA.
How does experience affect a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector's salary in California?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth, with senior collectors earning substantially more than entry-level positions, reflecting increased skill and responsibility.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in California?
An LQ of 0.81 suggests that while not overwhelmingly concentrated, the presence of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California is close to the national average, indicating a stable job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the perceived salary?
The high Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that the $64,290 salary in California does not stretch as far as the national average salary in lower-cost areas.
Are there many job openings for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California?
With a workforce of 13,240, California maintains a significant number of positions, suggesting consistent employment opportunities for qualified individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,240 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.733 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California