Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $51,730 +7% vs national
Median hourly $24.87
10th percentile $37,020
90th percentile $64,030
Employed locally 70
National median $48,350

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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,020
    25th
    $45,960
    50th (median)
    $51,730
    75th
    $55,360
    90th
    $64,030

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 73% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 27% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $77,300
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $76,760
    Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $74,240
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $73,770
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $73,110
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $72,380

    Nearby metros — Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $74,240
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $61,860
    Peoria, IL $61,710
    California $61,650
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $61,350
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $60,930

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Stockers and Order Fillers$36,180
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$53,530
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$39,180
    Bus Drivers, School$52,020
    Light Truck Drivers$40,090
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$56,480

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Ames, IA is $24.87, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.12 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salaries?

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Ames, IA is 7% above the national median of $48,350. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Ames?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $37,020 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,960.