Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $45,930 -5% vs national
Median hourly $22.08
10th percentile $36,260
90th percentile $62,400
Employed locally 2,860
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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Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,260
    25th
    $39,900
    50th (median)
    $45,930
    75th
    $59,200
    90th
    $62,400

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary vs area income 37% Median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary is 63% 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Stockers and Order Fillers $37,450
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $41,200
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $59,050
    Light Truck Drivers $48,040
    Driver/Sales Workers $35,360
    Bus Drivers, School $52,200

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $22.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.01 or more per hour.

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

    The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 5% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (10th percentile) earn around $36,260 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,900.