Helena Joyce
Garbage collectors, or garbage men and women, are responsible for collecting and disposing of trash to keep our cities clean and livable. They also collect and sort recyclable materials. In this paragraph, we will explore how much these professionals make in a year on average, and how their salaries vary depending on location and experience. According to recent data, the average yearly salary for a garbage collector in the United States falls somewhere between $29,093 and $57,647. The national average salary for garbage collectors is $40,695 per year, or $17.95 per hour. However, this can vary greatly depending on location and experience. For example, in 2023, garbage collectors in Illinois earned an average of $64,040, while those in Pennsylvania made up to $38,770. Entry-level garbage collectors can expect an average starting salary of around $21,100, while those with over 20 years of experience can earn upwards of $25 per hour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Wage | $19.90 |
| Annual Salary | $41,400 |
| Salary Range (80% of Garbage Men) | $10.95 to $32.29 |
| Salary Range (50% of Garbage Men) | $13.89 to $24.15 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $18.19 |
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage | $16.25 |
| Early Career Hourly Wage | $17.15 |
| Median Salary (2023) | $45,760 |
| Salary Range (Lowest-Paid 25%) | $36,100 |
| Salary Range (Best-Paid 25%) | $58,360 |
| Average Salary (2023) | $47,810 |
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What You'll Learn
Garbage collector salaries in the US
Garbage collectors in the United States earn a median hourly wage of over $20, which amounts to a yearly salary of more than $45,500. The average hourly pay for a garbage collector in the US is $16.31, with the hourly salary ranging from $5.29 to $29.33. The yearly salary for a garbage collector in the US is about $29,000 on average.
There are variations in the salaries of garbage collectors across different states in the US. Alaska California, and Washington are among the top-paying states, with Alaska leading the way with an average annual salary of around $43,551. Entry-level garbage collectors typically earn around $21,000 per year, while senior garbage collectors can make up to $33,200 annually. Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas compared to rural locations, and the cost of living in different states also influences take-home pay.
The work of a garbage collector is physically demanding and often carries a negative stigma, which may deter potential applicants. However, the demand for skilled workers in this field has increased, and garbage collectors can earn competitive wages. The job offers good hourly rates and steady work, as waste management is necessary regardless of economic fluctuations. Additionally, garbage collectors employed by local governments often receive excellent benefits, including pension plans, health insurance contributions, and generous leave policies.
While the majority of garbage collectors do not earn six figures, some experienced workers in the waste management industry have reported salaries of $100,000 or more. Nationwide, the annual salary for a garbage truck driver is $40,000, according to the Labor Department. Wages in this industry have been increasing faster than the national average, with an 18% growth rate since the recession ended in 2009.
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Pay differences based on location and employer
The salary of a garbage collector, or trash pollution man, can vary depending on various factors such as location and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for a garbage collector in the United States was $19.90 in 2019, which equates to an approximate annual salary of $41,400. However, this can range from $10.95 to $32.29 per hour, with a median hourly wage of $18.19.
Location plays a significant role in the pay differences for garbage collectors. For example, the states that pay the highest mean salary for this profession include Illinois ($64,040), Washington ($63,740), California ($60,920), New York ($60,480), and Oregon ($58,200). Metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, San Jose, Chicago, Seattle, and Napa also tend to offer higher salaries for garbage collectors.
The level of experience also influences the salary of a garbage collector. An entry-level position with less than a year of experience can expect an average hourly wage of $16.25, while those with 1-4 years of experience may earn around $17.15 per hour. Mid-career garbage collectors can earn higher wages, with the top 25% of earners making an average of $58,360 annually.
Additionally, the specific employer and the nature of the work can also impact the salary. For instance, garbage collectors who work for private companies or specialized waste management organizations may have different pay structures than those employed by municipal or government agencies.
Overall, while garbage collection may be an entry-level position that does not require formal education, the pay can vary considerably based on location, experience, and the specific employer. Those in high-paying areas and with more experience tend to earn significantly more than the national average.
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Annual salary vs hourly wage
In the United States, an entry-level garbage collector, or "trash pollution man", with less than a year of experience can expect an average total compensation of $16.25 per hour. This figure includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. An early-career garbage collector with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $17.15 per hour. According to 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage of a garbage collector in the United States was $19.90, representing an approximate annual salary of $41,400. Eighty percent of garbage collectors reported hourly earnings ranging from $10.95 to $32.29. Half of the collectors earned between $13.89 and $24.15 per hour. The median of all hourly wages reported was $18.19. In 2023, the median salary for garbage collectors was $45,760.
When comparing annual salary versus hourly wage, several factors come into play. Firstly, the Fair Labor Standards Act determines whether US workers are paid a salary or an hourly wage, and this affects more than just their compensation. Salaried employees often enjoy more benefits, such as paid vacation and sick days, retirement accounts, and other employer-sponsored benefits. Hourly workers, on the other hand, usually do not receive paid leave and may be responsible for their own healthcare. Additionally, the eligibility for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may influence an employer's decision to keep hourly employees below 30 hours per week to avoid providing healthcare.
Another factor to consider is the number of hours worked. Salaried employees may find themselves working more than the standard 40-hour workweek without receiving overtime pay, whereas hourly employees are compensated for every hour worked and are eligible for overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 40 hours per week. This can result in higher earnings for hourly workers, especially if they work more than 40 hours regularly. However, a salaried position may provide more stability and predictability, allowing individuals to build their lives around a financial baseline.
The nature of the work and the level of control over one's time are also important considerations. Hourly employees may enjoy more autonomy and flexibility in setting their schedules, while salaried employees may be expected to complete their tasks and projects within the given time frame, which could result in working additional hours without extra pay. Additionally, factors such as education level, work history, industry level, job classification, and location can impact the salary offered by an employer.
Ultimately, the decision between choosing an annual salary or hourly wage depends on various factors, including the specific job details, benefits offered, and personal preferences for stability, flexibility, and compensation.
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Salary compared to similar professions
The salary of garbage collectors, also known as trash pollution men, varies depending on their experience and location. In the United States, the national average salary for garbage collectors is around $40,000 to $41,000 per year, with hourly wages ranging from $10.95 to $32.29. Eighty percent of garbage collectors earn between $10.95 and $24.15 per hour, with a median hourly wage of $18.19.
When compared to other professions with similar duties and educational requirements, garbage collectors tend to earn a competitive salary. Here is a comparison of garbage collector salaries with similar professions:
- Construction workers: Construction workers are involved in building and repairing structures like roads, bridges, and buildings. The average salary for construction workers is around $37,000 per year, which is slightly lower than the salary of garbage collectors.
- Farmworkers: Farmworkers are involved in grueling physical labor, including planting, harvesting, and packing crops. The average salary for farmworkers is approximately $31,000 per year, which is significantly lower than the salary of garbage collectors.
- Landscapers and groundskeepers: These professionals maintain outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and lawns. The median salary for landscapers and groundskeepers is $35,000 per year, which is lower than the average salary of garbage collectors.
- Pest control workers: Pest control workers help eliminate pests such as rodents and insects. They earn an average salary of $40,000 per year, which is comparable to the earnings of garbage collectors.
- Delivery truck drivers: In 2023, delivery truck drivers earned an average salary of $46,090, which is slightly higher than the salary of garbage collectors in the same year.
- Security guards: Security guards had an average salary of $40,440 in 2023, which is comparable to the earnings of garbage collectors, depending on their experience and location.
- Janitors: Janitors earned an average salary of $36,250 in 2023, which is lower than the salary range of garbage collectors.
It is worth noting that the salary of garbage collectors can vary significantly based on their location within the United States. For example, garbage collectors in Illinois earn a mean salary of $64,040, while those in Washington make $63,740 per year. In contrast, the average salary for garbage collectors in Oregon is $58,200.
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Salary expectations based on experience
Although the job of a garbage collector, or trash pollution man, typically requires little formal education, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.
An entry-level garbage collector with less than a year of experience can expect an average hourly wage of $16.25. This figure includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. With 1-4 years of experience, the average hourly wage increases to $17.15.
According to 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage of a garbage collector in the United States was $19.90, which equates to an approximate annual salary of $41,400. The median salary for garbage collectors was $45,760 in 2023, with the top 25% earning $58,360 and the bottom 25% earning $36,100.
Location also plays a significant role in the salaries of garbage collectors. The metropolitan areas of San Francisco, San Jose, Chicago, Seattle, and Napa offer higher salaries for this profession. In terms of states, Illinois, Washington, California, New York, and Oregon provide the highest mean salaries, with Illinois at the top, offering an average salary of $64,040.
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Frequently asked questions
In the US, the average hourly wage of a garbage man was $19.90 in 2019, which equates to an annual salary of $41,400. Eighty percent of garbage men reported hourly earnings between $10.95 and $32.29. Trash collectors working for private waste management companies tend to have the lowest pay rates, while workers like garbage truck men and landfill operators working for local governments tend to have the highest wages.
In the US, the salary range for a pollution control officer is from $63,738 to $102,028 per year. The average salary is $80,024 per year, and the average salary in the District of Columbia, the state with the highest income for this job, is $89,067.
The salary of a garbage man can vary depending on location and employer. For example, in 2019, garbage men employed by state governments earned an average hourly wage of $25.20, while those employed by local governments averaged $20.68 per hour. Additionally, garbage men with more experience tend to earn higher wages.
