Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,720. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $51,720. Local economic factors and a smaller market size typically influence compensation levels in nonmetropolitan regions, leading to this disparity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,120.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 250 individuals in this specialized role, the job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area appears stable, albeit niche. The robust Location Quotient of 2.31 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a consistent demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-29.0%below the national average.
$17.7
$706
$3,060
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing operational costs and a sustained need for waste management services across the region.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and compensation. While specific percentile salary gaps are not detailed here, the progression from lower to higher earnings signifies valuable experience and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $27,160 | $13.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $27,540 | $13.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $33,440 | $16.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $45,900 | $22.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $54,120 | $26 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,720 in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
2.082
Per 1K Jobs
2.31
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x 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 2.31 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is a strong indicator of market concentration. A quotient significantly above 1.0 signifies that this region employs a disproportionately higher number of these workers relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive local job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $39,940↑ 9% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $46,290↑ 26% | 41 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $42,140↑ 15% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $45,350↑ 24% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $36,720. This typically ranges from $27,160 for entry-level positions to $54,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 29.0% lower than the national median of $51,720.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
No, it is not a lucrative place based on average salary.The average salary of $36,720 is substantially below the national average of $51,720. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($39,940) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 250 suggests a focused, but potentially limited, job market for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors. While demand may be consistent, the number of available positions could be constrained.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.31 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient of 2.31 indicates that Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are more than twice as concentrated in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, highlighting regional specialization.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $36,720 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there many job openings for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in this area?
While the Location Quotient suggests a higher concentration of these jobs, the total workforce size of 250 implies a moderate number of opportunities rather than a high volume of openings.
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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.082 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area