Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
SOC: 53-7081 O*NET: 53-7081.00
Median Salary
$49,690
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
15.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
What does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,590
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,080
25th percentile
Median
$49,690
50th percentile
Experienced
$62,020
75th percentile
Top Earners
$75,900
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,590
25th
$39,080
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$49,690
Mean: $52,820
75th
$62,020
90th
$75,900
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $42,310 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,080 and $62,020
- •Salary spread is 46.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 147,240 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:156,400
Top Industries
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services66.8%
Waste Management and Remediation Services64%
Waste Collection51.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.1%
Annual Openings:15,500
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)156,400
Current
2035 (Projected)159,600
+2.1%
+3,200
Employment Change
+2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
13,930 jobs$64,8900.81x
Texas
12,860 jobs$46,3300.97x
Florida
11,650 jobs$47,8201.24x
New York
11,630 jobs$64,9501.27x
North Carolina
7,250 jobs$44,6701.55x
Pennsylvania
6,220 jobs$48,2401.08x
Illinois
4,910 jobs$75,0500.85x
Georgia
4,830 jobs$46,9601.04x
Ohio
4,710 jobs$49,3300.90x
New Jersey
4,330 jobs$54,6301.07x
Virginia
4,330 jobs$46,5301.11x
Michigan
4,020 jobs$51,0300.96x
Washington
3,750 jobs$74,6201.12x
Colorado
3,700 jobs$60,3101.36x
Indiana
3,180 jobs$58,9001.05x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Mechanical
100%
#3
Multilimb Coordination
100%
#4
Arm-Hand Steadiness
92%
#5
Static Strength
82%
#6
Trunk Strength
74%
#7
Manual Dexterity
66%
#8
Reaction Time
58%
#9
Extent Flexibility
48%
#10
Operation and Control
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Multilimb Coordination
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced4.6
92%
Static Strength
intermediate4.1
82%
Trunk Strength
intermediate3.7
74%
Manual Dexterity
intermediate3.3
66%
Reaction Time
basic2.9
58%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Multilimb Coordination
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Static Strength
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Trunk Strength
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Manual Dexterity
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Reaction Time
basicImportance58%
abilities
2.9/5.0
Extent Flexibility
basicImportance48%
abilities
2.4/5.0
Operation and Control
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders100%
2 shared skills
Rock Splitters, Quarry67%
2 shared skills
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers50%
2 shared skills
Recycling and Reclamation Workers50%
2 shared skills
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers50%
1 shared skills
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials50%
1 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
Learn on the Job:
- →Manual Dexterity
- →Reaction Time
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Multilimb Coordination
- ✓Arm-Hand Steadiness
- ✓Static Strength
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mechanical
- ★Arm-Hand Steadiness
- ★Static Strength
- ★Trunk Strength
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Operations & Execution (2)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Fill out defective equipment reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution85% perform90%
7
Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination79% perform86%
9
Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.95
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.74
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.62
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.0
Independence
3.7
Cooperation
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Advanced Career Institute
Visalia, CA
952 program completions/year
U.S. Truck Driver Training School
Sterling Heights, MI
790 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island
Pawtucket, RI
626 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT-Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT
483 program completions/year
Delta Technical College-Mississippi
Horn Lake, MS
475 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Connecticut
Somers, CT
430 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Massachusetts
Haverhill, MA
396 program completions/year
M T Training Center
Desoto, TX
343 program completions/year
HDS Truck Driving Institute
Tucson, AZ
324 program completions/year
Diesel Driving Academy-Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA
313 program completions/year
All-State Career School
Essington, PA
306 program completions/year
City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College
Chicago, IL
303 program completions/year