Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn a robust average annual salary of $82,170, significantly outpacing the national average of $51,720. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the high cost of living and the specialized nature of waste management services within this economically vibrant metropolitan region. The demand for essential services like waste collection remains consistent, contributing to competitive compensation packages.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,960.
- Outlook: The job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, presents a stable outlook. With a local workforce of 960 individuals in this role, the concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.94 indicates a market that is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting consistent demand without extreme oversupply. The presence of nearly one collection worker per thousand workers (0.845) further reinforces the steady need for these essential services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+58.9%above the national average.
$39.5
$1,580
$6,848
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally driven by factors such as inflation, increasing operational costs for waste management companies, and a sustained demand for reliable collection services in a growing metropolitan area. Such upward salary trends are typical in regions with dynamic economies and a strong focus on maintaining essential public services.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically correlates with increased experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $41,870 | $20.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $61,628 | $29.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $76,760 | $36.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $102,713 | $49.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $108,960 | $52.4 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $82,170 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average due to the local cost of goods and services. Therefore, while the salary appears high, it is necessary to maintain a comparable standard of living within this high-cost region.
Job Market Context
960
Total Jobs
0.845
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 0.94x 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 0.94, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand for these professionals is present and aligns closely with national employment patterns, the field is not overly saturated. This balance indicates a healthy job market where opportunities are likely available without intense competition, making it a potentially favorable environment for both new entrants and experienced collectors.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $74,590↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Modesto, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $64,210↓ 22% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $58,440↓ 29% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $82,170. This typically ranges from $41,870 for entry-level positions to $108,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 58.9% higher than the national median of $51,720.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.The average salary of $82,170 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating lucrative nominal earnings. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the higher salary is necessary to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($74,590) and Modesto, CA.
How does the San Jose salary compare to the national average?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, earn an average of $82,170 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $51,720.
What is the job market like for this role in San Jose?
The job market is stable, with a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.94, indicating a demand that closely mirrors the national average and a workforce size of 960.
Does experience significantly impact salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in this area?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
How does the high salary in San Jose translate to actual purchasing power?
Despite the high nominal salary, the local Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), meaning the $82,170 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 960 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.845 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Software Developers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA