Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Salinas, CA

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

Median annual salary $69,210 +43.1% vs national
Median hourly $33.28
10th percentile $45,640
90th percentile $69,210
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
in
Salinas, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $45,640
    25th
    $48,990
    50th (median)
    $69,210
    75th
    $69,210
    90th
    $69,210

    Salinas economic context

    Unemployment rate 7.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $94,486 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 73% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 27% 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
    Merced, CA $66,690
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $64,530

    Related occupations in Salinas, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $36,510
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $35,520
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $54,230
    Stockers and Order Fillers $38,600
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $42,250
    Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $37,960

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Salinas, CA is $33.28, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.28 or more per hour.

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

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Salinas, CA is 43.1% 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 Salinas?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $45,640 per year in Salinas, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $48,990.