Position
Salary

How much does a Collections Specialist make?

The average salary for a Collections Specialist is $43,876 per year in the US.

A Collections Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring that businesses receive the payments they are owed. This professional works to recover money from clients who have overdue accounts. The salary for this position can vary based on experience and location. On average, Collections Specialists make about $43,876 a year. This can give job seekers an idea of what to expect in their earnings.

To see a clearer picture, here’s a look at the salary range:

  • About 6% of Collections Specialists earn $28,000 or less annually.
  • 15% earn between $28,000 and $35,000.
  • 25% earn between $35,000 and $42,000.
  • 32% earn between $42,000 and $50,000.
  • 18% earn between $50,000 and $60,000.
  • 8% earn $60,000 or more.
Job seekers can aim for these figures as they progress in their careers. The best pay often comes with more experience and skill.

View Collections Specialist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Collections Specialist?

Collections Specialists can find lucrative job opportunities in major cities. Boston, MA, leads with an average salary of $67,148, followed closely by Washington, DC, where the average salary is $66,287. Job seekers looking for competitive pay should consider these cities for their career advancement. Another major city with a high average salary is Los Angeles, CA, offering $54,848. Reno, NV, also provides a good salary of $52,829. This shows that top salaries for Collections Specialists span across various regions, not just the largest metropolitan areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $67,148 and Stamford, CT with the lowest at $51,035.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $67,148
    In Boston, working in collections can be rewarding. Major firms such as State Street and TD Bank offer exciting opportunities. Being detail-oriented and good with numbers is essential.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $66,287
    Washington, DC, presents a dynamic environment for collections professionals. Working with government agencies and financial institutions like Fannie Mae can provide unique experiences. Strong communication skills are a plus.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $54,848
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant atmosphere for those in collections. Companies like Bank of America and Chase Bank are prominent employers. Adaptability and strong customer service skills are key.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $52,829
    In Reno, collections specialists can find rewarding work with local and national companies. Working for firms like JPMorgan Chase can be fulfilling. Being proactive and having good problem-solving skills are important.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Reno, NV


  5. Springfield, IL
    Average Salary: $52,800
    Springfield offers a more laid-back environment for collections work. Local banks like Fifth Third Bank provide stable opportunities. Attention to detail and a friendly demeanor are beneficial.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Springfield, IL


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $52,347
    San Jose has a fast-paced environment with many tech companies seeking collections specialists. Working for firms like PayPal can be exciting. Strong organizational skills are valuable.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $52,259
    Portland offers a unique blend of nature and urban life for collections professionals. Working for companies like Wells Fargo provides stability. Being patient and having good interpersonal skills are important.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $52,105
    Seattle provides a vibrant work setting for those in collections. Working for firms such as Amazon can be stimulating. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $51,619
    Riverside offers a growing market for collections specialists. Working for local banks like Chase can be rewarding. Being proactive and having good communication skills are key.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA


  10. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $51,035
    Stamford provides a professional setting for collections work. Working for firms such as Synchrony Bank can be fulfilling. Strong attention to detail and good customer service skills are beneficial.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Stamford, CT

What are the best companies a Collections Specialist can work for?

Columbia Debt Recovery offers some of the best salaries for Collections Specialists, with an average of $59,000 per year. CALL-A-HEAD CORP. and Turn2Partners also provide strong pay, averaging $57,200 and $55,381 respectively. Optum, Ledgent Finance & Accounting, and Addison Group are other top choices for those seeking competitive pay in this field. Companies like Randstad, Vaco, and Rady Children's Hospital round out the list of high-paying options, with average salaries ranging from $53,000 to $54,000. Leeds Professional Resources also offers attractive salaries for those considering a role in collections.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting Columbia Debt Recovery with the highest at $59,000 and Leeds Professional Resources with the lowest at $51,231.
  1. Columbia Debt Recovery
    Average Salary: $59,000
    Columbia Debt Recovery offers collections specialist roles with a competitive salary. This company works with a variety of clients nationwide. Locations include major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. They focus on debt recovery and customer service.


  2. CALL-A-HEAD CORP.
    Average Salary: $57,200
    CALL-A-HEAD CORP. provides collections specialist jobs with an attractive average salary. They serve clients in key areas such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix. They emphasize professional debt collection and client relations.


  3. Turn2Partners
    Average Salary: $55,381
    Turn2Partners offers collections specialist positions with a strong average salary. They operate in regions like San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver. Their focus is on effective debt recovery and maintaining good customer relationships.


  4. Optum
    Average Salary: $54,620
    Optum provides collections specialist jobs with a solid average salary. They have locations in major cities such as Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Boston. They aim for efficient debt collection and customer satisfaction.


  5. Ledgent Finance & Accounting
    Average Salary: $53,722
    Ledgent Finance & Accounting offers collections specialist roles with a good average salary. They have offices in cities like Houston, Miami, and San Antonio. They focus on professional debt recovery and strong client service.


  6. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $53,671
    Addison Group provides collections specialist positions with a solid average salary. They operate in cities such as Philadelphia, Charlotte, and St. Louis. They emphasize professional debt collection and customer interactions.


  7. Randstad
    Average Salary: $53,173
    Randstad offers collections specialist roles with a fair average salary. They serve clients in areas like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Tampa. They focus on effective debt recovery and client communication.


  8. Vaco
    Average Salary: $52,318
    Vaco provides collections specialist jobs with a decent average salary. They have locations in cities such as Baltimore, Portland, and Providence. They aim for professional debt collection and good customer service.


  9. Rady Children's Hospital
    Average Salary: $51,959
    Rady Children's Hospital offers collections specialist positions with a good average salary. They operate in San Diego, focusing on healthcare debt collection and patient relations.


  10. Leeds Professional Resources
    Average Salary: $51,231
    Leeds Professional Resources provides collections specialist roles with a fair average salary. They serve clients in areas like Kansas City and Cincinnati. They focus on professional debt recovery and client interactions.

How to earn more as a Collections Specialist?

Becoming a Collections Specialist can lead to a rewarding career with good earning potential. To maximize earnings in this field, certain strategies can be highly effective. Building strong relationships with clients is crucial. Good communication skills and a professional approach can lead to higher settlements. Another key factor is developing a strong understanding of debt collection laws. This knowledge helps in negotiating effectively without legal issues. Staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies also plays a significant role. Automation tools and advanced software can improve efficiency and reduce the time spent on collections.

Having a strategic approach to debt recovery is another important factor. Prioritizing accounts based on their potential for recovery can lead to quicker settlements and higher earnings. Building a reputation for reliability and fairness can also enhance career growth. Many employers value specialists who can balance firmness with empathy. Finally, continuous learning and professional development can open up opportunities for higher positions. Certifications and training in collections can make a specialist more marketable. By focusing on these factors, a Collections Specialist can significantly improve their earning potential.

Here are five factors that can help a Collections Specialist earn more:

  1. Build strong client relationships
  2. Understand debt collection laws
  3. Stay updated with industry trends and technologies
  4. Prioritize accounts for effective recovery
  5. Invest in continuous learning and professional development

Currently 425 Collections Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Collections Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Collections Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Collections Specialist today.
Position
Overview
Collections Specialist
425 Job Openings