Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $37,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,720, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized collection services compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within Southside Virginia directly influence compensation levels for these essential workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 47.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,690.
- Outlook: The job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southside Virginia appears robust, indicated by a substantial Location Quotient of 2.53, signifying a concentration of these roles 2.53 times higher than the national average. With 2.281 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 230, the demand for these professionals is clearly elevated within this nonmetropolitan region, suggesting a stable employment outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-27.7%below the national average.
$18
$719
$3,117
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southside Virginia is not detailed, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, increased recycling mandates, and a growing awareness of waste management's importance likely contribute to a gradual upward adjustment in compensation for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors across most regions.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $26,570 | $12.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $28,050 | $13.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $34,960 | $16.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $46,750 | $22.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $46,690 | $22.4 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $37,400 in Southside Virginia aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the effective financial standing for a collector in this region is comparable to their national counterparts, despite the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
2.281
Per 1K Jobs
2.53
Location Quotient
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.53 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southside Virginia strongly indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these workers is significantly higher relative to the national average, making the market potentially competitive for employers seeking talent but offering good opportunities for job seekers in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $39,940↑ 7% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $46,290↑ 24% | 41 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $42,140↑ 13% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $45,350↑ 21% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $37,400. This typically ranges from $26,570 for entry-level positions to $46,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 27.7% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $37,400 is substantially lower than the national average of $51,720. However, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.53) indicates strong local demand.
Is Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($39,940) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southside Virginia is $37,400, which is considerably lower than the national average of $51,720.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.53 mean for this job?
An LQ of 2.53 signifies that Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are employed in Southside Virginia at a rate 2.53 times higher than the national average, indicating a strong regional concentration and demand for this occupation.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local purchasing power of the $37,400 salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage doesn't necessarily translate to a lower standard of living locally.
What is the total number of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the area?
There are approximately 230 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors working in the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
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 Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.281 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 Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area