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Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,670. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $51,720. The localized pay scale is often influenced by regional economic factors, industry demand, and the specific cost structures prevalent in nonmetropolitan settings.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,670 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,400.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, the job market in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas shows a concentration significantly above the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.66. This suggests a robust demand for these services relative to the national landscape, implying a stable job outlook for individuals in this profession within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,670

The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-33.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.7

Weekly

$667

Monthly

$2,889

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior collectors earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$20,060$9.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$26,003$12.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$34,780$16.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$43,338$20.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$48,400$23.3

Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,670

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,670

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $34,670 in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are not inflated beyond the national benchmark.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

1.499

Per 1K Jobs

1.66

Location Quotient

Major Hub

East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x 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 1.66 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a more specialized and potentially competitive market, where the demand for these services is proportionally greater than in other regions, suggesting a favorable environment for job seekers in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $34,670. This typically ranges from $20,060 for entry-level positions to $48,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 33.0% lower than the national median of $51,720.

Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?

No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $34,670 is substantially lower than the national average of $51,720 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.

Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?

The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($45,200) and Huntsville, AL.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 210 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, coupled with a high Location Quotient, suggests that while the absolute number of jobs might not be vast, the demand relative to the available workforce is strong, indicating good prospects for those already in or seeking to enter the field.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.66 mean for this job?

A Location Quotient of 1.66 means that Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are employed in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas at a rate 66% higher than the national average, indicating a significant regional specialization and demand for this occupation.

Are there many job opportunities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in this area?

With 1.499 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of positions is moderately high, especially considering the higher concentration indicated by the Location Quotient, suggesting a steady stream of opportunities.

How does the cost of living impact the $34,670 salary?

Since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), the $34,670 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning that despite the lower nominal wage, the cost of essential goods and services is not disproportionately high.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.499 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.