US Income for a Waste Worker This Year
CURRENT TOTAL
Live Counter Notable Facts
(Data shown in the table is for 2025. Counter shows current estimate)
Average Annual Income
Hourly Rate
Per Second Earnings
Understanding US Income for a Waste Worker This Year
This counter tracks the real-time earnings of waste management workers in the United States, including garbage collectors, recycling workers, and landfill operators. These essential workers maintain public health and environmental safety through the collection and disposal of waste.
Waste management workers in the US earn an average of $47,810 annually, though wages vary significantly by location, employer type, and specific role. Government-employed waste workers typically earn more than those working for private companies, with some experienced workers earning over $67,000 per year.
The waste management industry employs over 400,000 workers across the United States, contributing approximately $26 billion in revenue annually. Despite the essential nature of their work and associated health risks, waste workers earn less than the national average salary of $61,984.
US Waste Worker Compensation Overview
- Waste management workers perform physically demanding and potentially hazardous work, facing risks from heavy machinery, traffic, hazardous materials, and ergonomic injuries. Despite these challenges, their median income remains below the national average.
- Geographic location significantly impacts waste worker salaries. States like Alaska, California, and Washington offer the highest wages, with workers earning 20-40% above the national average, while southern states typically offer lower compensation.
- The industry faces ongoing labor shortages, with many companies struggling to recruit and retain workers. This has led to gradual wage increases and improved benefits packages, though compensation still lags behind comparable blue-collar occupations.
- Union representation plays a crucial role in waste worker compensation, with unionized workers typically earning 15-25% more than non-union counterparts and receiving better health insurance, retirement benefits, and workplace safety protections.
Waste Worker Categories
- Garbage Collector: Workers who collect residential and commercial waste, operating collection trucks and handling waste containers
- Recycling Worker: Employees who sort, process, and prepare recyclable materials at material recovery facilities
- Landfill Operator: Workers who manage waste disposal sites, operating heavy equipment and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations
- Hazardous Waste Handler: Specialized workers certified to handle, transport, and dispose of dangerous materials
Wage Breakdown by Experience
- Entry Level (0-3 years): $29,000 - $35,000 annually
- Mid-Career (4-9 years): $38,000 - $48,000 annually
- Experienced (10-20 years): $45,000 - $58,000 annually
- Senior Level (20+ years): $52,000 - $67,000 annually
- Supervisory Roles: $55,000 - $75,000 annually
Regional Salary Variations
- Alaska: $58,000 average (highest in US)
- California: $54,000 average
- Washington: $52,000 average
- New York: $48,000 average
- Texas: $42,000 average
- Mississippi: $31,000 average (lowest in US)
Industry Employment Statistics
- Total US Waste Workers: 400,000+ employees
- Annual Industry Revenue: $26 billion
- Average Work Week: 42 hours
- Injury Rate: 5.1 per 100 workers (above national average)
- Annual Turnover Rate: 20-30%
- Projected Job Growth: 7% through 2030
Data Sources and References
Methodology and Data Collection
Income data is compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industry surveys, and wage reports from major waste management companies including Waste Management Inc., Republic Services, and municipal employers.
Real-time earnings calculations use an average annual salary of $47,810 based on 2,080 work hours per year (40 hours × 52 weeks), resulting in earnings of approximately $0.0064 per second during work hours.