SalaryNode

Average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,320. This figure significantly trails the national average of $51,720, indicating that regional economic factors and demand dynamics play a crucial role in local compensation for this essential service role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,700.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 individuals, the Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector sector in West Kentucky represents a concentrated area of employment. The Location Quotient of 1.76 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, implying a robust local demand for these services that may outpace national trends.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,320

The average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-37.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.5

Weekly

$622

Monthly

$2,693

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, leading to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and reliability.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$20,780$10
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$24,240$11.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$29,980$14.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$40,400$19.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$45,700$22

Detailed Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,320

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,320 in West Kentucky aligns perfectly 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 comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is neither exceptionally high nor low.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

1.584

Per 1K Jobs

1.76

Location Quotient

Major Hub

West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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 1.76 for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in West Kentucky signifies a notable concentration of this profession relative to the national landscape. This elevated quotient indicates a stronger local industry presence and potentially higher demand for these workers than in many other regions, suggesting a more competitive or specialized job market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $32,320. This typically ranges from $20,780 for entry-level positions to $45,700 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 37.5% lower than the national median of $51,720.

Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectorss?

No, it is not a lucrative place compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $32,320 is substantially lower than the national average of $51,720.

Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?

The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near West 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 smaller local workforce of 210 suggests a more specialized job market. While this can mean less competition for individual roles, it also indicates a potentially limited number of overall openings compared to larger metropolitan areas.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.76 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.76, indicates that West Kentucky has a higher concentration of Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors than the national average. This suggests a stronger local industry presence and potentially more job opportunities relative to the general workforce.

How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, West Kentucky's expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $32,320 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.

Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in West Kentucky?

With 1.584 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role is present in the local economy at a rate slightly higher than the national average, reinforcing the idea of a concentrated industry.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.584 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.