How much does a Collections Specialist make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Collections Specialist?

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

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



