California ranks 5th of 51 states and D.C. for refuse and recyclable material collectors pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($71,440) by $9,790 — a 16% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $41,600 to $93,900 — a $52,300 spread, 21% wider than the national $43,390 range.
California employs roughly 9.5% of all refuse and recyclable material collectors in the country (13,240 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| 25th percentile | $51,290 | $24.66 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,650 | $29.64 |
| 75th percentile | $73,960 | $35.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,900 | $45.14 |
| Mean (average) | $64,290 | $30.91 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $61,650 | n/a |
| Washington | $71,440 | +16% |
| Nevada | $65,440 | +6% |
| New York | $64,550 | +5% |
| Illinois | $61,880 | +0% |
| Minnesota | $61,630 | +0% |
| Oregon | $61,040 | -1% |
| Colorado | $60,610 | -2% |
| Wisconsin | $60,390 | -2% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $61,670 | 23,180 |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | $61,680 | 29,950 |
| Psychiatric Technicians | $61,620 | 8,830 |
| Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $61,320 | 23,960 |
| Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | $61,320 | 53,600 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $61,310 | 63,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in California?
The mean refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in California is $64,290 per year. The median (middle) salary is $61,650 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in California?
Entry-level refuse and recyclable material collectorss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $41,600 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $51,290 per year.
What is the highest Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $93,900 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $73,960 per year.
How does the California Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary compare to the national average?
The median refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in California is $61,650, which is +28% above national average of $48,350.