How much does a Collection Specialist make?
A Collection Specialist plays a key role in ensuring that businesses receive payments owed to them. This job involves contacting customers to collect overdue payments. The average yearly salary for a Collection Specialist is around $42,211. This salary can vary based on experience and location.
The salary range for Collection Specialists can differ. The lowest 10% earn less than $27,000 a year. The top 10% earn more than $67,500 annually. Most specialists fall somewhere in the middle. Factors like education, skills, and the company's size can affect earnings. Those with more experience or specialized skills often earn higher salaries. Location also plays a part, with some cities offering higher wages than others.
What are the highest paying cities for a Collection Specialist?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $67,881
In Washington, DC, professionals in this field often work with government agencies and large corporations. The job involves contacting clients to collect overdue payments. Companies like Capital One and T-Mobile offer many opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $66,867
Boston offers a dynamic environment for those in this role. Working with financial institutions and healthcare providers, specialists here focus on resolving payment issues. Notable employers include MassMutual and Partners HealthCare.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $59,298
Seattle's job market for this role is vibrant, with many tech companies and startups. Specialists here manage accounts and ensure timely payments. Employers like Amazon and Microsoft provide diverse opportunities.
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Richmond, VA
Average Salary: $55,431
Richmond provides a stable environment for this profession. Working with local banks and insurance companies, specialists here are key in maintaining financial health. Companies like Dominion Energy and Capital One are prominent employers.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $53,180
In Sacramento, this role involves working with state agencies and local businesses. Specialists here help manage accounts and ensure payments are collected. Companies like Blue Shield of California and State Farm offer many opportunities.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $52,925
Madison offers a friendly work environment for this role. Specialists here work with educational institutions and healthcare providers. Companies like UW Health and the University of Wisconsin are notable employers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $52,911
Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for this profession. Working with large corporations and entertainment companies, specialists here focus on resolving payment issues. Employers like AT&T and Kaiser Permanente offer many opportunities.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $51,160
Philadelphia offers a rich job market for this role. Working with healthcare providers and financial institutions, specialists here ensure timely payments. Companies like Penn Medicine and Comcast are prominent employers.
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Eugene, OR
Average Salary: $50,402
Eugene provides a laid-back environment for this profession. Specialists here work with local businesses and educational institutions. The University of Oregon and PeaceHealth are notable employers.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $50,143
Albany offers a stable job market for this role. Working with state agencies and local businesses, specialists here manage accounts and ensure payments are collected. Companies like New York State Department of Health and MVP Healthcare are prominent employers.
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What are the best companies a Collection Specialist can work for?

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State of Alaska
Average Salary: $70,095
The State of Alaska offers competitive salaries for Collection Specialist jobs. These positions are available in various locations across the state, including Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks. Employees work to ensure timely and accurate collection of debts, contributing to the state's financial health.
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Ryder System
Average Salary: $63,670
Ryder System provides a solid salary for Collection Specialist roles. This company operates nationwide, with major locations in Miami, FL, and Salt Lake City, UT. Collection Specialists at Ryder System focus on managing accounts receivable and ensuring efficient payment processing.
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Bloodworks Northwest
Average Salary: $58,988
Bloodworks Northwest offers attractive compensation for Collection Specialist jobs. The company is based in Seattle, WA, and also has locations in Portland, OR. Specialists here work to collect payments for blood and blood products, ensuring smooth financial operations.
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The Chefs' Warehouse
Average Salary: $58,545
The Chefs' Warehouse provides a good salary for Collection Specialist positions. This company operates in multiple locations, including Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA. Collection Specialists ensure timely payments from accounts, supporting the company's supply chain.
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Aston Carter
Average Salary: $50,521
Aston Carter offers competitive pay for Collection Specialist jobs. The company has offices in major cities like New York, NY, and San Francisco, CA. Specialists here manage collections and work to resolve payment issues efficiently.
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Robert Half
Average Salary: $49,715
Robert Half provides a solid salary for Collection Specialist roles. With locations in cities like Houston, TX, and Denver, CO, Collection Specialists at Robert Half focus on managing accounts receivable and ensuring timely payments.
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AppleOne
Average Salary: $47,147
AppleOne offers a good salary for Collection Specialist jobs. The company operates in various locations, including Atlanta, GA, and Dallas, TX. Specialists here work to collect payments and manage accounts receivable, supporting the company's financial operations.
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HD Supply
Average Salary: $46,574
HD Supply provides a fair salary for Collection Specialist positions. The company has locations in cities like Charlotte, NC, and Phoenix, AZ. Collection Specialists ensure timely payments and manage accounts receivable, contributing to the company's financial health.
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State of Tennessee
Average Salary: $46,018
The State of Tennessee offers a competitive salary for Collection Specialist jobs. Positions are available in locations such as Nashville, TN, and Memphis, TN. Specialists here work to collect debts and ensure timely payments, supporting the state's financial operations.
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Eminent LLC
Average Salary: $44,304
Eminent LLC provides a fair salary for Collection Specialist roles. The company operates in cities like Boston, MA, and San Diego, CA. Collection Specialists manage accounts receivable and ensure timely payments, supporting the company's financial processes.
How to earn more as a Collection Specialist?
A Collection Specialist can increase earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building strong relationships with clients helps secure payments more efficiently. Specialists who communicate clearly and empathetically often find it easier to collect debts. Staying updated on collection laws and regulations ensures compliance and reduces legal risks. Developing strong negotiation skills allows for better settlement terms. Continuous learning and certification in collection practices can enhance job performance and open up higher-paying opportunities.
Specialists who take on additional responsibilities can also earn more. This includes managing larger accounts or leading a team. Specialization in certain industries, such as healthcare or finance, can command higher pay. Using technology and tools to streamline the collection process can improve efficiency and increase earnings. Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to job referrals and promotions. By focusing on these areas, a Collection Specialist can significantly boost their income.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Build strong client relationships
- Stay updated on collection laws
- Develop strong negotiation skills
- Take on additional responsibilities
- Specialize in certain industries