Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $43,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,720, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation for this essential service role within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 56.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,990.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 320 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, the Charleston-North Charleston area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with broader economic trends rather than a specialized boom.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-15.6%below the national average.
$21
$840
$3,638
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 Charleston-North Charleston have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage inflation and the increasing importance of waste management services. This trend likely reflects a combination of rising living costs and a sustained need for these vital workers.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, which can lead to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions generally start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,590 | $14.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,745 | $15.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,950 | $21.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,575 | $26.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,990 | $28.4 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,660 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape where nominal earnings translate directly to standard living expenses.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
0.827
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.92x 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 0.92 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Charleston-North Charleston suggests that the job market for this role is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the national landscape. This indicates a competitive but stable environment where job opportunities are generally available in line with the size of the local workforce, without extreme scarcity or saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $43,660. This typically ranges from $29,590 for entry-level positions to $58,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 15.6% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $43,660 is below the national average of $51,720, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This suggests that while the local cost of living is balanced, the nominal pay does not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($42,100) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 320 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors indicates a moderate-sized professional community, suggesting a steady but not overwhelming number of job openings. This size supports consistent employment opportunities without intense competition for each role.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.92 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.92 means that the concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Charleston-North Charleston is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it's not a disproportionately large sector of the local economy.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Charleston-North Charleston area has a cost of living that is exactly average. Therefore, the $43,660 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning it neither stretches further nor falls short compared to national standards.
What are the typical career paths for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
Career paths often involve starting in entry-level collection roles and progressing to positions requiring more responsibility, such as operating specialized equipment, leading a crew, or moving into supervisory or management roles within waste management services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.827 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC