Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area earn an average annual salary of $48,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $51,720, indicating that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation for this essential service role within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,860.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,380 individuals in this occupation, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area demonstrates a substantial presence of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that this role is nearly as concentrated as the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns-6.4%below the national average.
$23.3
$931
$4,033
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that roles within waste management and collection experience steady employment and salary growth over time. Factors such as increased recycling initiatives, population growth, and infrastructure development typically contribute to a gradual upward trend in compensation for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors over a four-year period.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, which directly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than 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) | $28,060 | $13.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,300 | $17.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,890 | $22.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,500 | $29.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $66,860 | $32.1 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,400 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of goods and services, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
2,380
Total Jobs
0.829
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 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 indicates that the concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet balanced job market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the number of workers in the field, without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $52,850↑ 9% | 28 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $41,550↓ 14% | 47 mi |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $46,810↓ 3% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $43,260↓ 11% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $48,400. This typically ranges from $28,060 for entry-level positions to $66,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 6.4% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $48,400 is slightly below the national average, and the Cost of Living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($52,850) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 2,380 indicates a solid base of employment for this role, suggesting consistent opportunities within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.92 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.92 signifies that the job market is nearly as concentrated as the national average, implying a stable demand for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.
How does the Cost of Living in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly average compared to the rest of the nation.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for this role in Philadelphia?
Yes, as with most professions, experienced Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically earn more than entry-level workers, with salary increases reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,380 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 0.829 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD