Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Merced, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Merced, CA

Median annual salary $66,690 +37.9% vs national
Median hourly $32.06
10th percentile $34,510
90th percentile $66,690
National median $48,350

Compare Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary & buying power

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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
in
Merced, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,510
    25th
    $52,360
    50th (median)
    $66,690
    75th
    $66,690
    90th
    $66,690

    Merced economic context

    Unemployment rate 9.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $65,044 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 103% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 3% above 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
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $76,760
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $73,110
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $72,380
    Napa, CA $70,690
    Salinas, CA $69,210
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $64,530

    Related occupations in Merced, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $54,930
    Stockers and Order Fillers $38,680
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $33,280
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,300
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $44,490
    Light Truck Drivers $41,960

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Merced, CA is $32.06, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $32.95 or more per hour.

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

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Merced, CA is 37.9% 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 Merced?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $34,510 per year in Merced, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $52,360.