Tennessee ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for refuse and recyclable material collectors pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($71,440) by $32,870 — a 85% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,720 to $59,160 — a $32,440 spread, 25% tighter than the national $43,390 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 1.9% of all refuse and recyclable material collectors in the country (2,630 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,720 | $12.85 |
| 25th percentile | $31,690 | $15.23 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,570 | $18.54 |
| 75th percentile | $47,510 | $22.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,160 | $28.44 |
| Mean (average) | $40,140 | $19.30 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $38,570 | n/a |
| Washington | $71,440 | +85% |
| Nevada | $65,440 | +70% |
| New York | $64,550 | +67% |
| Illinois | $61,880 | +60% |
| California | $61,650 | +60% |
| Minnesota | $61,630 | +60% |
| Oregon | $61,040 | +58% |
| Colorado | $60,610 | +57% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $38,630 | 31,780 |
| Phlebotomists | $38,440 | 3,000 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $38,710 | 5,100 |
| Helpers--Electricians | $38,720 | 2,570 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $38,720 | 2,300 |
| Order Clerks | $38,890 | 2,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Tennessee?
The mean refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in Tennessee is $40,140 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,570 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Tennessee?
Entry-level refuse and recyclable material collectorss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $26,720 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,690 per year.
What is the highest Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $59,160 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $47,510 per year.
How does the Tennessee Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary compare to the national average?
The median refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in Tennessee is $38,570, which is -20% below national average of $48,350.