Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,890. This figure significantly trails the national average of $51,720, indicating a regional pay structure influenced by local economic factors and demand. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions compared to broader national averages.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,040.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 300 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.92 suggests a concentration of these roles that is nearly double the national average, implying a consistent, localized demand that supports the existing workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-32.5%below the national average.
$16.8
$671
$2,908
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased recycling mandates, and the rising cost of essential services likely contribute to incremental salary increases for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, which can lead to higher earning potential. While entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, senior collectors with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly above the average, reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $22,980 | $11 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $26,168 | $12.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $33,580 | $16.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $43,613 | $21 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $51,040 | $24.5 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,890 in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a collector's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is lower, the cost of living does not present an immediate disadvantage.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.731
Per 1K Jobs
1.92
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 1.9x the national concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.92 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area signifies a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand relative to the size of the workforce, potentially offering more job opportunities and stability for individuals in this field within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $44,990↑ 29% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $43,200↑ 24% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $50,010↑ 43% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $49,430↑ 42% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $34,890. This typically ranges from $22,980 for entry-level positions to $51,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 32.5% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $34,890 is substantially lower than the national average of $51,720. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.92) indicates demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($44,990) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area is $34,890, which is considerably lower than the national average of $51,720.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.92 mean?
An LQ of 1.92 indicates that Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are employed in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area at a rate nearly twice the national average concentration, suggesting a strong local presence and demand for this occupation.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which matches the national average, the $34,890 salary in Central Kentucky offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means the lower nominal salary is offset by lower living expenses relative to the national standard.
What is the total workforce size for this role locally?
There are approximately 300 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors employed within the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local employment landscape for this specific job.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.731 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area