Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chattanooga, TN-GA

Median annual salary $35,950 -25.6% vs national
Median hourly $17.29
10th percentile $28,670
90th percentile $51,730
Employed locally 80
National median $48,350

Compare Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary & buying power

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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
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Chattanooga, TN-GA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $28,670
    25th
    $33,730
    50th (median)
    $35,950
    75th
    $45,090
    90th
    $51,730

    Chattanooga economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,666 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 52% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 48% 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
    Clarksville, TN-KY $49,670
    Jackson, TN $49,150
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $46,690
    Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $41,470
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $38,650
    Knoxville, TN $38,220

    Related occupations in Chattanooga, TN-GA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,160
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $53,690
    Stockers and Order Fillers $34,210
    Light Truck Drivers $38,330
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $38,100
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $59,950

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $17.29, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.47 or more per hour.

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

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 25.6% below 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 Chattanooga?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $28,670 per year in Chattanooga, TN-GA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $33,730.