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How much does a sorter make in the United States?

$49,690a year

This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $4,141 a month.

Approx. take-home per month
$3,505
Compared with the median pay in the United States
0.9 times
Data from
2025

Where the United States ranks among 143 countries

1.0 k $2.0 k $5.0 k $10 k $20 k $50 k $100 k $PalauSurinameKenyaUnited States, rank 4

Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $100,000 a year.

What refuse sorters earn in the United States
Lowest 10%: $33,590Median: $49,690Highest 10%: $75,900

In other countries

Median gross salary a year, in dollars.

1. Switzerland estimate$64,730
2. Iceland estimate$64,420
3. Germany$50,100
4. United States$49,690
5. Denmark estimate$48,360
143. Kenya estimate$127
Compare refuse sorters in 143 countries

Similar jobs

Elementary occupations

Highest paying in the United States

By state

Median gross salary a year.

Illinois$75,050
Washington$74,620
New York$64,950
California$64,890
Oregon$63,210
Minnesota$62,570
Nevada$61,310
Delaware$61,290
Colorado$60,310
Wisconsin$59,810
See all 51 states
Utah$59,310
North Dakota$59,000
Indiana$58,900
Hawaii$56,270
Rhode Island$55,970
District of Columbia$55,490
New Jersey$54,630
Vermont$51,960
Michigan$51,030
Massachusetts$50,310
Missouri$50,010
Idaho$49,880
Iowa$49,850
Montana$49,420
Nebraska$49,390
Ohio$49,330
Wyoming$48,820
Pennsylvania$48,240
Florida$47,820
New Mexico$47,660
Georgia$46,960
Arizona$46,910
New Hampshire$46,580
Virginia$46,530
Texas$46,330
Alabama$46,240
Alaska$45,740
Kansas$45,510
North Carolina$44,670
Maine$43,360
Tennessee$43,270
Kentucky$43,100
Oklahoma$43,060
Maryland$41,870
Mississippi$39,170
Louisiana$38,810
Connecticut$38,220
West Virginia$35,840
Arkansas$35,640
South Carolina$34,880
South Dakota$32,950

Frequently asked questions

How much does a sorter make a month in the United States?

The median gross salary is $4,141 a month, $49,690 a year.

How much does a sorter make starting out and with experience?

The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $33,590 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $75,900.

Which country pays a sorter the most?

Germany, with a median of $50,100 a year before tax, according to our data.

Which state pays a sorter the most?

Illinois, with a median of $75,050 a year.

Does a sorter make more in the United States or in Germany?

In Germany: $50,100 a year against $49,690 in the United States, 1.0 times more.

Who makes more, a sorter or a street sweeper?

A sorter: $49,690 a year against $46,860 for a street sweeper, 1.1 times more.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate