Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in North Carolina
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $40,690. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,720, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the waste management sector within the state. The cost of living also plays a role in understanding the real value of this income.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,780.
- Outlook: North Carolina presents a robust employment landscape for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, with a total local workforce of 6,460 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.46 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for these essential services across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Carolina earns-21.3%below the national average.
$19.6
$783
$3,391
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Carolina have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in wage increases for essential service roles. This upward trajectory is often driven by factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for waste management companies, and a sustained demand for collection services.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Carolina typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their value and expertise. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $24,310 | $11.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,518 | $14.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,500 | $19.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,863 | $24.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,780 | $26.8 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,877
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $40,690 in North Carolina aligns favorably with its Cost of Living Index of 94.9. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary holds a relatively strong purchasing power within the state, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is more affordable compared to the national standard.
Job Market Context
6,460
Total Jobs
1.32
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.46, North Carolina demonstrates a job market that is 46% more concentrated with Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand and a more established presence of this occupation within the state's economy, suggesting a competitive yet accessible market for both employers and potential employees.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $43,360↑ 7% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $35,200↓ 13% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $42,040↑ 3% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $40,370↓ 1% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $45,190↑ 11% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Carolina is $40,690. This typically ranges from $24,310 for entry-level positions to $55,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 21.3% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $40,690 is below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living (94.9) means the salary offers reasonable purchasing power locally.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($43,360) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
North Carolina has 1.32 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector jobs per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a greater density of these roles within the state's workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in North Carolina?
An LQ of 1.46 means that North Carolina has a significantly higher concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand for these services.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Carolina is $40,690, which is lower than the national average of $51,720.
Does the cost of living in North Carolina affect the perceived value of the salary?
Yes, with a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (below the national average of 100), the $40,690 salary offers better purchasing power in North Carolina than it might in a higher cost-of-living state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,460 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 1.32 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salaries by State
Top Jobs in North Carolina
- All Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Production Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Management Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Browse All Jobs in North Carolina →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Carolina