How much does a waste collector make in the United States?
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
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $100,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Switzerland estimate | $64,550 |
| 2. Iceland estimate | $64,250 |
| 3. United States | $49,690 |
| 4. Denmark estimate | $48,230 |
| 143. Kenya estimate | $126 |
Similar jobs
Elementary occupations
- Sorter$49,690
- Street sweeper$46,860
- Courier$37,880
- Odd job persons$49,010
- Meter reader$47,750
- Water and firewood collectors$40,240
- Gym worker$33,370
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 waste collector make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $4,141 a month, $49,690 a year.
How much does a waste collector 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 waste collector the most?
United States, with a median of $49,690 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a waste collector the most?
Illinois, with a median of $75,050 a year.
Does a waste collector make more in the United States or in United Kingdom?
In the United States: $49,690 a year against $37,290 in United Kingdom, 1.3 times more.
Who makes more, a waste collector or a street sweeper?
A waste collector: $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