Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Washington
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Washington State earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,350, substantially exceeding the national average of $51,720. This elevated compensation is often driven by the state's robust economy, higher operational costs, and a strong demand for essential waste management services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,520.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,890 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.22, Washington demonstrates a notable concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors compared to the national landscape. This suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for these essential workers within the state's infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Washington earns+32.2%above the national average.
$32.9
$1,314
$5,696
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Washington have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing importance of efficient waste management systems.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves a salary increase with experience. 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, reflected in the upper percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,730 | $23.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $51,263 | $24.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $71,440 | $34.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $85,438 | $41.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $88,520 | $42.6 |
Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,383
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $68,350 in Washington presents a mixed financial picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is high, the 15.1% above-average cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost regions.
Job Market Context
3,890
Total Jobs
1.099
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates that Washington has a higher concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive or specialized market, potentially leading to better opportunities and compensation for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $72,270↑ 6% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $65,490↓ 4% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary | $61,740↓ 10% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Washington is $68,350. This typically ranges from $49,730 for entry-level positions to $88,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 32.2% higher than the national median of $51,720.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?
Yes, Washington offers lucrative opportunities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.The average salary of $68,350 significantly surpasses the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, the higher cost of living should be factored into the overall financial benefit.
Is Washington a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($72,270) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Washington has 1.099 jobs per 1,000 workers for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy presence of these roles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Washington?
An LQ of 1.22 means that Washington has 22% more Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors per capita than the national average, suggesting a higher demand or concentration of these jobs in the state.
Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Washington?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior collectors with more years of service and specialized skills typically earn higher salaries than entry-level workers.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is 15.1% more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power is reduced compared to living in a more affordable state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,890 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.099 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 Washington