Position
Salary

How much does a Collections Specialist make?

The average salary for a Collections Specialist is $43,430 per year in the US.

A Collections Specialist collects payments from customers. This role involves contacting individuals and businesses to recover unpaid debts. A Collections Specialist must have strong communication skills and the ability to handle difficult conversations. They often work in an office setting or remotely, handling calls and emails.


According to recent data, the average yearly salary for a Collections Specialist stands at approximately $43,430. The salary can vary based on experience and location. Here are some details about different pay levels:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $27,500 or less.
  • The middle 50% earn between $31,636 and $48,182.
  • The highest 10% earn $68,864 or more annually.
This range shows a good opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expertise in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Collections Specialist?

Collections specialists can find some of the best opportunities in Washington, DC, and San Francisco, CA. These cities offer higher average salaries due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Job seekers should consider these locations for better financial prospects in their career. Exploring job markets in Boston, MA, and Los Angeles, CA, may also yield promising results. Both cities offer competitive salaries for collections specialists, along with a variety of job opportunities. Securing a position in these cities can lead to both personal and professional growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $78,205 and Worcester, MA with the lowest at $52,429.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $78,205
    In Washington, DC, a collections professional can expect to work with a range of clients from government entities to private firms. Major companies like JPMorgan Chase and the U.S. Treasury offer solid opportunities. The political hub offers unique networking chances.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $74,737
    Working in San Francisco, a collections specialist often finds employment in tech and finance giants like PayPal and Charles Schwab. The tech-savvy environment brings innovative approaches to debt recovery, making the role both challenging and rewarding.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $69,028
    In Boston, a collections specialist typically works in the finance and healthcare sectors. Companies like Fidelity and Mass General offer diverse experiences. The city's educational institutions create a hub for professional development and networking.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $61,858
    Los Angeles presents a dynamic landscape for collections roles in entertainment and retail sectors. With companies like Universal Studios and Target, the work offers a unique blend of creativity and customer service. The vibrant culture provides numerous opportunities to enhance professional skills.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $56,719
    Seattle offers a tech-driven environment for collections specialists with companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The city's focus on innovation creates a stimulating atmosphere for professionals in debt recovery. The high standard of living adds to the appeal of working here.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $54,294
    In Stamford, collections roles often focus on finance and insurance sectors. Companies like Travelers and UBS present stable environments for growth. The city’s proximity to New York City adds to the opportunities for professional development.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Stamford, CT


  7. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $53,335
    Sacramento provides a mix of public and private sector opportunities for collections professionals. Working with entities like State Farm and the State of California, specialists here enjoy a balanced workload with a strong community focus.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $53,208
    San Diego offers a desirable location for collections roles with its mix of biotech and tourism sectors. With companies like Qualcomm and Sharp Healthcare, the city provides a vibrant work environment. The pleasant climate adds to the quality of life.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $53,203
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers numerous opportunities in the tech industry for collections specialists. With giants like PayPal and Cisco, the city presents a dynamic work environment. The tech culture fosters innovation and growth in debt recovery practices.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $52,429
    In Worcester, a collections specialist finds a blend of manufacturing and healthcare opportunities. Companies like UMass Memorial Health and Raytheon offer stable career paths. The city’s strong educational institutions provide avenues for professional development.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Worcester, MA

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

For job seekers seeking a lucrative role as a Collections Specialist, UCLA Health offers the highest average salary at $70,771. Turn2Partners and First Legal also provide competitive pay, with averages around $60,000. These companies recognize the value of skilled collections specialists and reward them with substantial compensation. Job seekers should consider these employers for attractive salaries and opportunities to enhance their career. Other notable employers like Optum and Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego offer salaries above $50,000, making them solid choices for those in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting UCLA Health with the highest at $70,771 and M&T Bank with the lowest at $50,732.
  1. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $70,771
    UCLA Health offers Collections Specialist positions with competitive pay. Located in Los Angeles, California, they provide healthcare services. Employees work in a dynamic environment, ensuring patients receive the care they need.


  2. Turn2Partners
    Average Salary: $60,235
    Turn2Partners is known for its high salary for Collections Specialists. They operate in multiple locations, offering flexibility in work arrangements. The company focuses on improving debt collection processes and customer relations.


  3. First Legal
    Average Salary: $60,000
    First Legal pays well for Collections Specialists. They operate nationwide, with offices in major cities. Employees here handle legal debt collection, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.


  4. Ascendo Resources
    Average Salary: $55,040
    Ascendo Resources offers attractive salaries for Collections Specialists. They have offices in key locations, providing diverse opportunities. Employees work on resolving debt issues, ensuring smooth customer interactions.


  5. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $53,781
    Addison Group pays a solid salary to Collections Specialists. They operate in several locations, offering various job settings. Employees focus on debt recovery, maintaining customer satisfaction and company standards.


  6. Optum
    Average Salary: $53,120
    Optum offers competitive pay for Collections Specialists. With offices across the country, they provide opportunities in different environments. Employees work on managing accounts, ensuring timely debt collection.


  7. Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego
    Average Salary: $53,088
    Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego offers a good salary for Collections Specialists. Located in San Diego, California, they focus on pediatric care. Employees handle billing and collections, ensuring financial health.


  8. Vaco
    Average Salary: $52,396
    Vaco provides a decent salary for Collections Specialists. They operate in various locations, offering flexible job settings. Employees handle debt recovery, ensuring smooth financial operations.


  9. CooperCompanies
    Average Salary: $51,761
    CooperCompanies offers a solid pay for Collections Specialists. They operate in multiple locations, providing diverse work environments. Employees focus on managing accounts, ensuring efficient debt collection.


  10. M&T Bank
    Average Salary: $50,732
    M&T Bank offers competitive salaries for Collections Specialists. They have branches across several states. Employees handle financial collections, ensuring customer accounts are managed effectively.

How to earn more as a Collections Specialist?

A Collections Specialist collects payments from customers for goods or services rendered. This role offers opportunities to increase earnings through various means. Specialization in specific industries can enhance earning potential. For example, those skilled in medical or legal collections often command higher pay rates.

Training and certifications can also lead to higher wages. Earning certifications from organizations such as the National Federation of Credit Counseling (NFCC) or the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals (ACA International) can boost credibility and pay. Gaining expertise in debt recovery techniques and software tools can also improve job performance and earnings.

Consider these five factors to earn more as a Collections Specialist:

  1. Specialization in Industry: Focus on high-paying areas like medical billing or legal collections.
  2. Training and Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications from recognized organizations.
  3. Technical Skills: Master debt recovery techniques and use specialized software efficiently.
  4. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and best practices through continuous learning.
  5. Networking: Build professional relationships to learn about higher-paying opportunities.

Currently 1,176 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
1,176 Job Openings