Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Elkhart, IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Elkhart-Goshen, IN

Median annual salary $58,430 +20.8% vs national
Median hourly $28.09
10th percentile $33,210
90th percentile $69,340
Employed locally 90
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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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,210
    25th
    $42,430
    50th (median)
    $58,430
    75th
    $59,590
    90th
    $69,340

    Elkhart economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $65,617 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 89% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 11% 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
    Washington $71,440
    Salinas, CA $69,210
    Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $65,580
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $64,880
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $64,530

    Related occupations in Elkhart, IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $40,430
    Stockers and Order Fillers $35,670
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $56,840
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $45,910
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $37,920
    Light Truck Drivers $43,990

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Elkhart, IN is $28.09, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.34 or more per hour.

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

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Elkhart, IN is 20.8% 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 Elkhart?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $33,210 per year in Elkhart, IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $42,430.