Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA), the median pay for refuse and recyclable material collectors is $36.10 an hour ($75,090 a year). About 2,100 people work in this job there.
That is 51% higher than the U.S. median ($49,690). It is about the same as the Washington median ($74,620).
Pay range for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $28.49 | $59,270 |
| 25% of workers | $34.47 | $71,700 |
| Half of workers (median) | $36.10 | $75,090 |
| 75% of workers | $42.77 | $88,960 |
| 90% of workers | $43.35 | $90,160 |
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay in Washington metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $76,340 | 130 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (this page) | $75,090 | 2,100 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $74,180 | 90 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $73,770 | 70 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $66,230 | 330 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $65,270 | 60 |
| Yakima | $61,370 | 80 |
| Walla Walla | $60,330 | 50 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $57,560 | 30 |
Washington unemployment rate: 4.9% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for refuse and recyclable material collectors
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +2.1% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 15,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $46,830 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $47,740 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $55,600 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $44,010 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $42,750 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.