Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Modesto, CA

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

Median annual salary $62,960 +30.2% vs national
Median hourly $30.27
10th percentile $44,370
90th percentile $92,020
Employed locally 270
National median $48,350

Compare Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary & buying power

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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
in
Modesto, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $44,370
    25th
    $57,470
    50th (median)
    $62,960
    75th
    $70,380
    90th
    $92,020

    Modesto economic context

    Unemployment rate 6.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,661 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 79% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 21% 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
    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
    Merced, CA $66,690

    Related occupations in Modesto, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$46,230
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$52,720
    Stockers and Order Fillers$40,090
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$55,330
    Packers and Packagers, Hand$39,960
    Light Truck Drivers$42,770

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Modesto, CA is $30.27, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.84 or more per hour.

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

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Modesto, CA is 30.2% 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 Modesto?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $44,370 per year in Modesto, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $57,470.