If you are looking for garbage collector salary in the USA, the pay can be more than many people expect from this type of outdoor job. A garbage collector, also called a refuse collector, sanitation worker, waste collector or sometimes garbage man, collects household trash, recyclable material and other waste from homes, businesses and public places. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation is officially listed as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors. In May 2025, workers in this occupation had a national median annual wage of about $49,690, while the mean annual wage was about $52,820, with a median hourly wage of $23.89. Actual garbage collector pay can be different by state, city, employer, overtime, union contract and type of sanitation work. This article looks at garbage collector salary, hourly pay, annual income, garbage truck driver pay, sanitation worker salary, benefits, job duties and garbage collector salary by state in the United States.
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Garbage Collector Salary in the USA
Garbage collector salary in the USA is normally paid by the hour for many workers, although full-time employees usually think about their income as an annual salary. The national BLS figures give a useful starting point, but a person working for a large city sanitation department can have a different pay package than someone working for a small private waste company. In some places the basic wage can be supported by overtime, weekend work, holiday pay and other employee benefits.
The May 2025 BLS data shows a median annual wage of around $49,690 for refuse and recyclable material collectors. The mean annual wage was higher at approximately $52,820. This means the typical garbage collector salary is around the upper-$40,000 range, while many experienced or higher-paid workers can earn above $50,000. The median hourly wage was approximately $23.89 per hour.
| Garbage Collector Pay Measure | USA Wage |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary | About $49,690 |
| Mean annual salary | About $52,820 |
| Median hourly pay | About $23.89 |
| Approximate mean hourly pay | About $25.39 |
| Occupation employment | About 147,240 workers |
These numbers are useful for understanding the national garbage collector salary, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed paycheck. A worker may start below the national median and later move higher with experience, overtime or a better-paying employer.
Garbage Collector Salary by State
Garbage collector salary by state can be quite different because waste collection is strongly connected with local government budgets, private waste companies, cost of living, union agreements and the amount of overtime available. BLS provides occupational wage information by state and metropolitan area, but some detailed state occupation estimates can be limited or suppressed when there are not enough workers to publish a reliable figure. The table below gives an indicative salary range for researching the job market; it is not presented as an exact BLS estimate for every state.
| State | Indicative Annual Garbage Collector Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $35,000 – $48,000 |
| Alaska | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Arizona | $40,000 – $52,000 |
| Arkansas | $35,000 – $47,000 |
| California | $50,000 – $70,000+ |
| Colorado | $45,000 – $58,000 |
| Connecticut | $48,000 – $62,000 |
| Delaware | $45,000 – $58,000 |
| Florida | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Georgia | $38,000 – $52,000 |
| Hawaii | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Idaho | $38,000 – $50,000 |
| Illinois | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Indiana | $38,000 – $50,000 |
| Iowa | $38,000 – $50,000 |
| Kansas | $37,000 – $49,000 |
| Kentucky | $36,000 – $49,000 |
| Louisiana | $36,000 – $50,000 |
| Maine | $40,000 – $53,000 |
| Maryland | $48,000 – $62,000 |
| Massachusetts | $50,000 – $65,000+ |
| Michigan | $42,000 – $55,000 |
| Minnesota | $45,000 – $58,000 |
| Mississippi | $34,000 – $46,000 |
| Missouri | $38,000 – $52,000 |
| Montana | $38,000 – $51,000 |
| Nebraska | $38,000 – $50,000 |
| Nevada | $42,000 – $55,000 |
| New Hampshire | $45,000 – $58,000 |
| New Jersey | $50,000 – $68,000+ |
| New Mexico | $38,000 – $52,000 |
| New York | $50,000 – $68,000+ |
| North Carolina | $36,000 – $49,000 |
| North Dakota | $40,000 – $53,000 |
| Ohio | $40,000 – $54,000 |
| Oklahoma | $36,000 – $49,000 |
| Oregon | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,000 – $58,000 |
| Rhode Island | $47,000 – $60,000 |
| South Carolina | $36,000 – $49,000 |
| South Dakota | $37,000 – $49,000 |
| Tennessee | $37,000 – $50,000 |
| Texas | $39,000 – $53,000 |
| Utah | $42,000 – $54,000 |
| Vermont | $42,000 – $55,000 |
| Virginia | $43,000 – $57,000 |
| Washington | $48,000 – $63,000+ |
| West Virginia | $35,000 – $48,000 |
| Wisconsin | $42,000 – $55,000 |
| Wyoming | $38,000 – $52,000 |
One important thing with this table is that local wages can be very different even inside the same state. A garbage collector working for a large city may have a different wage from a worker employed by a small private company in a rural area. BLS also notes that geographic location is an important factor in occupational wages, and its OEWS system provides state and metropolitan-area estimates.
How Much Does a Garbage Collector Make an Hour?
How much does a garbage collector make an hour is one of the common questions people ask before applying for this work. Based on the May 2025 national BLS data, the median hourly wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors was about $23.89 per hour. The mean hourly wage was about $25.39.
Hourly garbage collector pay can be lower for a new worker and higher for an experienced employee. Overtime can also make the yearly income look much different from the basic hourly wage. For example, a worker who regularly gets extra hours may earn more than the normal annual salary calculated from a 40-hour work week.
- National median hourly pay: about $23.89
- National mean hourly pay: about $25.39
- Entry-level pay: can be lower depending on employer and location
- Experienced worker pay: can move above the national average
- Overtime: may increase total yearly income
- Weekend and holiday work: can provide additional pay in some jobs
How Much Do Garbage Collectors Make a Year?
How much do garbage collectors make a year depends mostly on the employer, location and work schedule. The national median from BLS is about $49,690 per year, while the mean is about $52,820. That gives a useful picture of normal earnings, but a city sanitation worker with overtime and a strong benefits package may have a much different total compensation than a new worker at a small private waste company.
Garbage collection is also a job where the yearly salary should not be looked at alone. Some public and private employers may provide health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, uniforms and other job benefits. The value of these benefits can be important when comparing two garbage collector jobs.
Garbage Truck Driver Salary
Garbage truck driver salary can be different from regular garbage collector pay because driving a collection truck can come with extra responsibility. Some garbage collection workers mainly pick up trash containers, while others operate the truck and help with the complete collection route. The exact pay depends on the company, city, type of truck and whether a commercial driver's license is required.
A garbage truck driver may work for a city sanitation department, county government or private waste management company. In larger cities, the job can involve automated trucks where the driver controls mechanical arms from inside the vehicle. Other collection jobs still require workers to get out of the truck and physically move bins or bags.
- Garbage truck driving may pay more than basic entry-level collection work in some workplaces.
- A commercial driver's license may be required for certain truck positions.
- Experience driving heavy vehicles can help when applying for these jobs.
- Overtime can make a noticeable difference in yearly income.
- Private and government employers can have different pay structures.
- Union contracts may affect wages, overtime and other benefits in some locations.
Sanitation Worker Salary in the USA
Sanitation worker salary is another common search term used for garbage collector jobs. Sanitation work is a wider term and can include refuse collection, recycling collection, street cleaning and other public sanitation duties. Because of that, not every person called a sanitation worker performs exactly the same job.
For people specifically collecting residential or commercial refuse, the BLS occupation Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors is the closest official occupation category. The national median annual wage for this occupation was about $49,690 in May 2025, while the mean annual wage was about $52,820.
Local government sanitation departments can have their own salary schedules. A city may start a new worker at one rate and then increase the pay after probation, experience or promotion. Private companies can use a different structure, so job advertisements should always be checked before assuming a particular salary.
Garbage Collector Job Duties
The basic garbage collector job may look simple from outside, but the work can be physically demanding and requires workers to follow safety procedures. Workers may spend many hours outdoors and have to work in different weather conditions. The daily duties also depend on whether the worker is collecting household garbage, recycling, commercial waste or another type of material.
- Collect garbage from residential or commercial collection points.
- Load trash, refuse or recyclable materials into collection vehicles.
- Move or lift garbage containers when required.
- Operate collection equipment and truck controls.
- Drive or assist with driving garbage collection vehicles when assigned.
- Follow assigned collection routes and schedules.
- Separate or handle recyclable material according to local procedures.
- Report damaged containers, unsafe conditions or route problems.
- Keep the collection vehicle and work area reasonably clean.
- Follow workplace and road safety rules.
What Does a Garbage Collector Do?
What does a garbage collector do during a normal working day? The main job is collecting refuse and recyclable material from homes, businesses or other locations and transporting it for disposal, processing or recycling. The worker may walk between collection points, lift containers and work around a large moving truck.
Some garbage collectors work as part of a two-person or larger crew. One worker may drive while another collects the containers. In other operations, especially with automated collection equipment, one employee may perform several parts of the route.
The job can start early in the morning because many waste collection routes are scheduled before normal business hours. A worker may also have to work during hot weather, rain, cold temperatures or other outdoor conditions. Physical strength, awareness around vehicles and consistent attendance are therefore important parts of the work.
Garbage Collector Benefits
Garbage collector benefits depend on the employer. Government sanitation departments and large waste management companies may offer a package that includes more than the hourly wage. Smaller employers may offer fewer benefits or a different combination.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Retirement or pension benefits
- Employer retirement contributions in some jobs
- Overtime opportunities
- Paid holidays in some positions
- Uniforms or work clothing
- Safety equipment and protective gear
For this reason, two jobs with a similar garbage collector salary may not provide the same total compensation. A position with a slightly lower hourly rate could have stronger retirement or health benefits, while another job could have a higher basic wage but fewer benefits.
Garbage Collector Requirements
Garbage collector requirements are generally not as high as the requirements for many professional careers. A college degree is normally not needed for basic refuse collection work. Employers can have their own minimum requirements, however, so applicants should read the individual job posting carefully.
Many employers look for workers who can perform physical tasks, follow safety instructions and work reliably as part of a crew. A valid driver's license may be useful or required, particularly for workers who will drive collection vehicles. Some garbage truck driver positions can require additional licensing depending on the vehicle and employer.
- High school diploma or equivalent may be preferred by some employers.
- A valid driver's license may be required for driving positions.
- Commercial driver's license requirements depend on the vehicle and job.
- Applicants should be able to perform physical collection duties.
- Workers need to follow safety procedures around heavy vehicles and equipment.
- Good attendance and reliable work habits are important.
- Previous truck driving or outdoor labor experience can be useful.
How to Become a Garbage Collector
How to become a garbage collector is usually a simpler process than entering many other occupations. A person can search for openings with a city sanitation department, county government or private waste collection company. After applying, the employer may conduct interviews, background checks, driving record checks or physical assessments depending on the position.
For jobs involving truck driving, applicants should check whether a regular driver's license is enough or whether the employer requires a commercial driver's license. Getting the required license before applying can make a person eligible for more positions, but the exact requirement should be confirmed with the employer.
- Look for garbage collector or refuse collector job openings.
- Check the minimum education and driver's license requirements.
- Prepare a simple resume showing relevant work experience.
- Apply with city, county or private waste collection employers.
- Complete interviews and any required screening.
- Complete employer training after hiring.
- Learn the assigned route, equipment and safety procedures.
Garbage Collector Salary by Experience
Experience can affect garbage collector pay, although there is no single national salary increase that applies to every employer. A new worker may begin at the lower part of an employer's pay scale. After gaining experience, learning collection equipment or moving into a driving or lead position, the worker may have access to higher pay.
| Career Stage | Typical Pay Situation | What Can Affect Income |
|---|---|---|
| New Garbage Collector | Often starts near employer entry rate | Location, employer, schedule |
| Experienced Collector | May move toward or above local average | Experience, overtime, route |
| Garbage Truck Driver | May have higher pay depending on employer | License, vehicle, responsibility |
| Lead or Senior Worker | Potentially higher wage | Supervisory duties and employer |
Garbage Collector Overtime Pay
Overtime is an important part of the income for some garbage collectors. Waste collection routes have to be completed on schedule, and busy departments may have additional hours available. A worker who regularly works overtime can have yearly earnings that are noticeably higher than the basic salary calculation.
However, overtime is not guaranteed for every garbage collector. It depends on local workload, staffing, employer rules and applicable wage agreements. Workers should look at the regular hourly rate and the overtime policy separately when comparing jobs.
Government Garbage Collector Jobs
Government garbage collector jobs are commonly associated with city, county or other local public sanitation departments. These jobs can have formal hiring procedures and established pay grades. Depending on the local government, workers may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and holidays.
Public-sector sanitation jobs are not identical across the United States. One city can operate its own collection service while another city can contract the work to a private waste company. Because of this, the employer listed on the job posting is important when comparing government and private garbage collector positions.
Private Garbage Collection Jobs
Private garbage collection jobs are another major employment option. Private waste companies can provide residential trash pickup, commercial waste collection, recycling services and specialized waste services. The salary and benefits can vary by company and location.
Private employers may also have different schedules and productivity expectations. Some companies use automated collection trucks and modern route-management systems, while others use traditional collection crews. Applicants should check the exact job duties rather than relying only on the title garbage collector.
Garbage Collector Salary Factors
Garbage collector salary is not decided by one thing only. The same job title can have different pay in different cities and companies. Location is one of the biggest factors because local wages, living costs, government budgets and demand for sanitation workers can be different. Experience, overtime, driving duties and the type of waste collection can also change the final income.
- Location: Wages can be different from one state or city to another.
- Experience: Experienced workers may qualify for higher pay rates.
- Employer: City departments and private companies can have different salary structures.
- Overtime: Extra working hours can increase annual income.
- Driving duties: Operating collection trucks can affect the position and pay.
- Union contract: Some workers may be covered by collective bargaining agreements.
- Work schedule: Night, weekend or holiday schedules may have different pay arrangements.
- Job responsibilities: More equipment, driving or lead responsibilities can affect compensation.
Highest Paying Areas for Garbage Collectors
People searching for the highest paying garbage collector jobs should look beyond the state name and check individual cities and metropolitan areas. A state with a relatively high average wage can still have lower-paying rural jobs, while a large metropolitan area may offer higher wages because of local labor demand, municipal pay schedules or larger waste operations.
The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program publishes geographic wage information for occupations when reliable estimates are available. Because these estimates can change from year to year, workers should check the latest BLS data and current employer job postings before making a salary decision.
Garbage Collector vs Sanitation Worker
Garbage collector and sanitation worker are sometimes used as if they mean exactly the same thing, but the work can be different. A garbage collector normally focuses on collecting refuse or recyclable materials. Sanitation worker can be a wider job title that includes different public-cleaning or waste-management duties.
| Job Term | Common Work | Pay Depends On |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage Collector | Collect household or commercial waste | Employer, location, experience |
| Refuse Collector | Collect and handle refuse | Local wages and employer |
| Recycling Collector | Collect recyclable material | Collection system and location |
| Sanitation Worker | May include several sanitation duties | Specific job duties |
| Garbage Truck Driver | Drive and operate collection vehicle | License, truck type, employer |
Garbage Collector Work Environment
Garbage collection is mainly an outdoor job. Workers can spend a large part of the day around roads, homes, businesses, collection vehicles and waste containers. The work continues in different weather conditions, so workers need suitable clothing and safety equipment.
The job can also be physically demanding. Lifting, pulling, pushing, walking and repeatedly moving containers can be part of the normal work. Workers also have to pay attention around moving trucks and traffic. Waste can sometimes contain sharp, heavy or unsafe objects, which is why following employer safety rules is important.
- Outdoor work is common.
- Early morning schedules are common in some collection operations.
- Workers can spend many hours standing or walking.
- Repeated lifting and moving containers can be physically demanding.
- Workers operate around heavy trucks and road traffic.
- Weather conditions can affect the working day.
- Protective clothing and safety equipment may be provided by the employer.
Is Garbage Collector a Good Paying Job?
Whether garbage collector pay is enough for a particular person depends on the location, personal expenses and the complete compensation package. National BLS data puts the median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors at about $49,690, with a mean wage of about $52,820 in May 2025.
The job can also provide a path to higher earnings through experience, overtime, truck driving or senior positions. On the other side, the physical nature of the work and outdoor conditions are things applicants should consider before applying. Looking at both salary and job conditions gives a more realistic picture than salary alone.
Garbage Collector Career Growth
Garbage collector work does not always mean staying in the same entry-level position for an entire career. A worker can gain experience with collection equipment, commercial routes, recycling operations or heavy vehicles. Depending on the employer, experienced workers can move into driver, lead worker or supervisory positions.
- Garbage Collector
- Experienced Refuse Collector
- Garbage Truck Driver
- Senior or Lead Collection Worker
- Collection Crew Supervisor
- Sanitation Operations Supervisor
The available career path depends on the size and structure of the employer. A small private company may have only a few levels, while a large municipal sanitation department can have a more formal promotion system.
Garbage Collector Salary Compared With Other Jobs
People searching for garbage collector salary often compare the job with other transportation, labor and sanitation positions. Salary comparisons should be made using the same year and similar wage measure because an hourly median, annual median and mean salary are not the same thing.
The BLS national median for refuse and recyclable material collectors was about $49,690 annually in May 2025. Actual pay for other occupations can be higher or lower depending on the occupation, location and experience. Someone choosing between jobs should also compare benefits, schedule, physical demands and opportunities for overtime.
Garbage Collector Job Outlook
Garbage collection remains a necessary service because households, businesses and communities continue to produce waste and recyclable materials that need to be collected and processed. Employment levels can change with population growth, recycling systems, local government operations and private waste contracts.
People interested in this career should check current openings in their own city or state instead of relying only on a national employment number. Local government websites, private waste companies and state employment services can provide information about current vacancies.
Where to Find Garbage Collector Jobs
Garbage collector jobs can be available through several types of employers. City and county government websites are useful places to check public sanitation positions. Private waste management companies can also advertise residential, commercial and recycling collection jobs.
- City sanitation department career pages
- County government employment websites
- Private waste collection companies
- Recycling companies
- Commercial waste service companies
- State employment websites
- Online employment websites
Garbage Collector Salary Summary
Garbage collector salary in the USA is around $49,690 a year at the national median for refuse and recyclable material collectors, based on May 2025 BLS data. The national mean annual wage was about $52,820 and the median hourly wage was about $23.89. These numbers provide a useful national reference, but the actual garbage collector pay can change a lot depending on state, city, employer, experience, overtime and job duties.
For someone considering this career, the best way to estimate real income is to look at current local job postings and compare the basic hourly wage with overtime, health insurance, retirement, paid leave and other benefits. A garbage collector job can involve physical outdoor work and early schedules, but it can also provide steady employment and opportunities to increase income through experience, driving responsibilities and overtime.
The official BLS occupation name is Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, which is the most useful classification when researching salary data. Using this occupation along with searches such as garbage collector salary, garbage collector pay, sanitation worker salary, garbage truck driver salary, refuse collector salary and garbage collector salary by state gives a broader picture of earnings for this type of work in the United States.