Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $45,450. This figure is below the national average of $51,720, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the slightly lower salary indicates a less competitive market for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,830.
- Outlook: The local job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Portland-South Portland, ME, appears stable, with a total workforce of 230 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to other areas. This steady workforce size implies consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-12.1%below the national average.
$21.9
$874
$3,788
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 Portland-South Portland, ME, have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement would likely be driven by increased operational costs for waste management companies and a sustained need for these vital services within the community.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves gaining experience and potentially taking on more responsibility. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of collection routes, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance can expect to earn significantly more. The salary distribution, though not detailed here, would show a clear upward trend from junior to senior roles, reflecting accumulated expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,130 | $16.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,088 | $16.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,540 | $22.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,813 | $27.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $53,830 | $25.9 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,450 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary is below the national average for the profession, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable, offering a balanced financial standing.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.797
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.88x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Portland-South Portland, ME, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a moderate level of competition and availability for these roles; the market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce. Employers may find a steady pool of candidates, but significant demand spikes could lead to a more competitive hiring environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Portland-South Portland, ME is $45,450. This typically ranges from $34,130 for entry-level positions to $53,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 12.1% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $45,450 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates a stable but not high-paying market for this profession.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($39,870) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Portland-South Portland, ME, is $45,450, which is lower than the national average of $51,720.
What is the Cost of Living in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that the concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.88 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.88 signifies that there are fewer Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors per worker in Portland-South Portland, ME, compared to the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 0.797 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 Portland-South Portland, ME