Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Median Salary
45,760
Job Outlook
+4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

59%

State and local government

26%

Self-employed

9%

Private not for profit

5%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of hand laborers and material movers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,059,000 openings for hand laborers and material movers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$18,210

10%

$45,760

Median

$71,100

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    81%

  • Associate's degree

    11%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    5%

  • Less than high school

    1%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • English Language
  • Transportation
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Public Safety and Security

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.