SalaryNode

Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Richmond, VA

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $46,290. This figure is slightly below the national average of $51,720, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially regional economic factors influence compensation for this essential role. While the pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local context is key to evaluating its true value.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,290 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,560.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 590 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, Richmond, VA, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Richmond is very close to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with typical employment levels across the country. This indicates a consistent need for these services without overwhelming competition.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,290

The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Richmond, VA earns-10.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.3

Weekly

$890

Monthly

$3,858

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves a salary increase commensurate 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 higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$29,930$14.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,718$16.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,180$23.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,863$27.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,560$28.2

Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,290

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,290

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $46,290 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a collector's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average. While not offering a significant cost-of-living advantage, the salary provides a standard of living comparable to the typical American lifestyle.

Job Market Context

590

Total Jobs

0.91

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Richmond, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.01 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Richmond, VA, indicates a job market that is remarkably in line with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that the demand for these services is stable and predictable, neither exceptionally high nor unusually low compared to other regions. Consequently, job seekers can expect a competitive but accessible market.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Richmond, VA is $46,290. This typically ranges from $29,930 for entry-level positions to $58,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $51,720.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?

No, but it is competitive.Richmond, VA offers an average salary of $46,290, which is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average. The job market concentration is nearly identical to the national average, indicating stable demand.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($37,400) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

How does Richmond's salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Richmond, VA is $46,290, which is approximately 10.6% lower than the national average of $51,720.

What is the concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA has a Location Quotient of 1.01 for this role, meaning the concentration of jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and typical market presence.

How does the cost of living in Richmond affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Richmond's cost of living is exactly the national average. Therefore, the $46,290 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest about the market?

The 0.91 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates that for every thousand workers in Richmond, there are slightly less than one position for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector, reflecting a consistent but not overwhelmingly high demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 0.91 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.