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Salary

How much does a Collections Specialist make?

The average salary for a Collections Specialist is $44,033 per year in the US.

A Collections Specialist helps companies and organizations get back money that is owed to them. They often handle accounts that are past due. This job can be very important to a business. It ensures that the company keeps running smoothly and has the funds it needs.

The average yearly salary for a Collections Specialist is $44,033. Many factors can affect how much someone in this job makes. These factors include experience, education, and the company they work for. The salary can change based on the size and type of the organization, as well as the region where the Collections Specialist works. Here are some common salary ranges for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $28,000 to $35,636
  • Mid-level: $39,455 to $47,091
  • Senior-level: $47,091 to $70,000
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What are the highest paying cities for a Collections Specialist?

Collections Specialist roles offer some of the highest salaries in major cities. San Francisco, CA, leads the pack with an average salary of $69,567, followed closely by Washington, DC, and Boston, MA. These cities provide excellent opportunities for professionals in the field. San Jose, CA, and Riverside, CA, also stand out with competitive pay. Los Angeles, CA, Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA offer respectable salaries as well. These locations can be great for those seeking a balance of pay and quality of life.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $69,567 and Worcester, MA with the lowest at $51,971.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $69,567
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for finance professionals. Many tech companies and financial firms in the city look for skilled specialists to handle their collections. The tech-savvy atmosphere provides a unique blend of finance and tech skills.
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  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $67,855
    Working in Washington, DC, means being part of a hub for government and finance. Here, specialists handle collections for various institutions, from government agencies to private firms. The presence of large financial institutions offers diverse career opportunities.
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  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $66,830
    Boston provides a rich backdrop for those in the collections field. The city’s historic financial sector and innovative start-ups make it an exciting place to work. Specialists often interact with a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations.
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  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $55,552
    In Los Angeles, the collections specialist role thrives in a diverse economic landscape. With many industries, from entertainment to tech, specialists have a unique chance to work with varied client bases. The competitive salary helps attract top talent.
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  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $53,296
    Portland offers a laid-back yet professional environment for collections specialists. The city’s growing tech scene and established businesses create a balanced work atmosphere. Specialists often enjoy a good work-life balance with a supportive community.
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  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $52,537
    Seattle, known for its tech and finance sectors, provides a vibrant setting for collections specialists. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer opportunities to handle collections. The city’s progressive environment encourages skill development and career growth.
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  7. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $52,504
    Riverside offers a more relaxed yet rewarding environment for those in collections. The city’s growing economy and diverse industries provide ample opportunities. Specialists benefit from a lower cost of living compared to nearby urban centers.
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  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $52,276
    San Jose is a tech-heavy city, making it a prime location for collections specialists. With many start-ups and tech giants, specialists often deal with high-tech clients. The area’s innovative spirit fosters continuous learning and growth.
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  9. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $52,185
    In Reno, the collections specialist role is crucial in maintaining financial health. The city’s tourism and gaming industries offer unique challenges and opportunities. Specialists benefit from a smaller city feel with a growing job market.
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  10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $51,971
    Worcester provides a welcoming environment for finance professionals. The city’s mix of industries, from healthcare to education, offers diverse collections opportunities. Specialists enjoy a close-knit community and a lower cost of living.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Worcester, MA

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

Companies like Columbia Debt Recovery and Turn2Partners offer top salaries for Collections Specialist positions. With averages around $60,000, these firms provide competitive pay. Seeking a role in collections? These companies may be worth considering for a lucrative career opportunity.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting Columbia Debt Recovery with the highest at $60,000 and Randstad with the lowest at $53,059.
  1. Columbia Debt Recovery
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Columbia Debt Recovery provides collection services to companies in the United States. The company operates in multiple locations, including Florida and Texas. They offer a competitive salary and benefits for their Collections Specialists.


  2. Turn2Partners
    Average Salary: $58,545
    Turn2Partners offers a variety of collection services across the country. They have offices in California and New York. The company is known for its supportive work environment and fair compensation for Collections Specialists.


  3. Centers Health Care
    Average Salary: $57,500
    Centers Health Care has multiple locations across the United States. They focus on providing health care services and also offer collection services. They value their employees and provide a competitive salary for Collections Specialists.


  4. Optum
    Average Salary: $55,659
    Optum offers health care services and solutions. They operate nationwide with many locations. Optum is known for its comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment for Collections Specialists.


  5. Guardian Security Systems, Inc.
    Average Salary: $54,364
    Guardian Security Systems, Inc. provides security and collection services. They have locations in several states. They offer a good salary and benefits for Collections Specialists.


  6. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $53,863
    Addison Group offers staffing and collection services. They have offices in multiple states, including Illinois and California. Addison Group provides a fair salary for Collections Specialists.


  7. Ledgent Finance & Accounting
    Average Salary: $53,571
    Ledgent Finance & Accounting provides financial and collection services. They have offices across the United States. The company values its employees and offers a competitive salary for Collections Specialists.


  8. Ascendo Resources
    Average Salary: $53,471
    Ascendo Resources offers collection and staffing services. They operate in several locations, including Ohio and Pennsylvania. They offer a good salary and benefits for Collections Specialists.


  9. Vaco
    Average Salary: $53,160
    Vaco provides staffing and collection services. They have offices in many states. Vaco offers a good salary and benefits for Collections Specialists.


  10. Randstad
    Average Salary: $53,059
    Randstad offers collection and staffing services. They operate in multiple locations across the United States. Randstad provides a fair salary for Collections Specialists.

How to earn more as a Collections Specialist?

A Collections Specialist works to recover money owed by customers or clients. This role can be rewarding, especially when it comes to earning potential. Increasing earnings in this field often relies on developing certain skills and gaining experience. Here are five factors that can help boost income as a Collections Specialist.

First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Employers value experience and may offer promotions or higher salaries to those with a proven track record. Working diligently and building strong relationships with clients can enhance reputation and lead to better opportunities. Second, obtaining additional certifications can make a Collections Specialist more valuable. Certifications in areas such as debt collection or financial management can set one apart from others in the field. Third, developing strong communication skills can improve job performance. Effective communication helps resolve disputes and negotiate payments, leading to quicker settlements and higher earnings. Fourth, working in a specialized area can lead to higher pay. Focusing on industries such as healthcare or legal collections can offer higher salaries due to the complexity and sensitivity of the work. Finally, advancing to a managerial role can significantly increase income. Supervisors and managers often earn more than their counterparts due to their added responsibilities and decision-making power.

Building a solid foundation of experience, certifications, skills, and a niche area of focus can open the door to higher-paying opportunities for Collections Specialists.

  1. Experience: More experience can lead to promotions and higher salaries.
  2. Certifications: Obtain certifications to enhance job value.
  3. Communication Skills: Improve job performance with effective communication.
  4. Specialization: Focus on specific industries for higher pay.
  5. Management: Advance to managerial roles for significant income growth.

Currently 664 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
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Collections Specialist
664 Job Openings