Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $46,890 -3% vs national
Median hourly $22.54
10th percentile $28,060
90th percentile $66,860
Employed locally 2,380
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
    $28,060
    25th
    $38,100
    50th (median)
    $46,890
    75th
    $60,220
    90th
    $66,860

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 53% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 47% 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
    Napa, CA $70,690
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $64,880
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $63,410
    Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $56,860
    Chambersburg, PA $50,410
    Paducah, KY-IL $48,460

    Related occupations in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $42,300
    Stockers and Order Fillers $36,670
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $60,000
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $42,450
    Light Truck Drivers $45,030
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $53,990

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $22.54, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $34.26 or more per hour.

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

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 3% 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 Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $28,060 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,100.