Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,720. This figure significantly trails the national average of $51,720, indicating a distinct regional compensation structure. Factors such as local economic conditions, demand for services, and the cost of doing business in this specific nonmetropolitan region likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,990.
- Outlook: The job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 250 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.6 suggests that this occupation is more prevalent here than the national average, implying a steady, albeit not explosive, demand for these essential services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-34.8%below the national average.
$16.2
$648
$2,810
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, would reflect an increasing recognition of the importance of these roles and potential adjustments to keep pace with the cost of living and labor market dynamics.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Within the Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector profession in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The widening pay gap between lower and higher percentiles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $22,660 | $10.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $25,290 | $12.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $31,910 | $15.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $42,150 | $20.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $44,990 | $21.6 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,720 in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.445
Per 1K Jobs
1.6
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x the national concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.6, South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area exhibits a higher concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors compared to the national average. This indicates a relatively robust demand for these services within the region, making the job market potentially more competitive for new entrants but offering good opportunities for those already established in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $44,990↑ 33% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $43,200↑ 28% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $50,010↑ 48% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $49,430↑ 47% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $33,720. This typically ranges from $22,660 for entry-level positions to $44,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 34.8% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $33,720 is substantially lower than the national average of $51,720.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($44,990) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 250 suggests a stable, established presence for this role, indicating consistent demand rather than rapid expansion.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.6 mean for job seekers?
It signifies that the occupation is 60% more concentrated in this area than the national average, implying a stronger local job market for this specific role.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means local expenses are average, so the $33,720 salary has typical purchasing power, despite being below the national average wage.
Are there opportunities for career growth for Refuse Collectors in this area?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with percentile gaps indicating a clear path for career progression and increased earning potential.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.445 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area