SalaryNode

Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, earn an average annual salary of $43,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,720. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area likely contribute to this salary differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,960 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,810.
  • Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre region supports a local workforce of 330 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors. With a Location Quotient of 1.44, indicating a concentration 44% higher than the national average, the job market for these essential workers appears robust and in demand within this specific locale.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,960

The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-15.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.1

Weekly

$845

Monthly

$3,663

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA

Salary progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically scales 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 significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$27,090$13
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,970$15.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,140$21.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$54,950$26.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$60,810$29.2

Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,960

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,960

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,960 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This suggests that the nominal income earned by collectors in this area offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of real wages.

Job Market Context

330

Total Jobs

1.303

Per 1K Jobs

1.44

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.44, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.44 signifies that Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are more concentrated in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand or a more established presence of this profession within the local economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities compared to less concentrated regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?

The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $43,960. This typically ranges from $27,090 for entry-level positions to $60,810 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 15.0% lower than the national median of $51,720.

Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher than the national average, the average salary of $43,960 is below the national average of $51,720. The cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary translates to less purchasing power than the national average.

Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?

The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($49,980) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 330 indicates a stable, established sector for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities for those entering or already in the field.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.44 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.44, indicates a higher concentration of this job in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the national average, suggesting potentially better job availability and career growth prospects within the area.

How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area has living expenses on par with the national average. Therefore, the $43,960 salary provides average purchasing power, neither stretching nor significantly easing financial burdens relative to national standards.

Are there many job openings for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Scranton?

The data suggests a healthy market with a concentration 44% higher than the national average, implying that job openings are likely consistent and potentially more numerous relative to the overall workforce size compared to other regions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 1.303 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.