Overview Salaries

Collections Specialist Salaries

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Collections Specialist make?

The average salary for a Collections Specialist is $43,550 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Collections Specialist positions, showing an average salary of $43,550 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Collections Specialist positions, showing an average salary of $43,550 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Collections Specialist positions, showing an average salary of $43,550 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Collections Specialist positions, showing an average salary of $43,550 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Collections Specialists play a key role in many businesses. They help ensure that companies get the payments they are owed. The job pays fairly well. On average, Collections Specialists earn about $43,550 per year. This average varies based on experience and the industry. Those just starting may earn less, while experienced specialists often earn more.

Here’s a look at the salary range for Collections Specialists:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $27,500 annually.
  • The next 22.94% earn between $27,500 and $35,942.
  • The next 20.33% earn between $35,942 and $40,163.
  • The next 12.96% earn between $40,163 and $44,384.
  • The next 12.07% earn between $44,384 and $48,605.
  • The next 11.26% earn between $48,605 and $52,825.
  • The next 6.70% earn between $52,825 and $57,046.
  • The next 4.90% earn between $57,046 and $61,267.
  • The next 2.75% earn between $61,267 and $65,488.
  • The next 1.13% earn between $65,488 and $69,709.
  • The top 1% earn more than $69,709 annually.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Collections Specialist?

Looking for a high-paying job as a Collections Specialist? Cities like Washington, DC, and San Francisco, CA, stand out with strong earning potential. A Collections Specialist can expect an average salary of around $77,645 in DC and $75,176 in San Francisco. These cities offer competitive wages, making them attractive options for career growth. In addition to these top earners, Boston, MA, and Los Angeles, CA, provide solid pay for Collections Specialists. Boston averages around $70,180, while Los Angeles offers a little less at $62,207. Both cities bring a mix of job opportunities and living costs, making them good choices for career advancement.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $77,645 and Worcester, MA with the lowest at $52,731.

  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $77,645
    In Washington, DC, a thriving hub for government and finance, working in collections means you'll often interact with major financial institutions. The city’s dynamic environment offers steady opportunities and a mix of remote and in-office work settings, making it an exciting place for professionals.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $75,176
    San Francisco, known for its tech-driven economy, presents a unique landscape for collections specialists. With many fintech companies, you’ll find diverse challenges and growth opportunities. Working in this innovative city means being part of a forward-thinking industry.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $70,180
    Boston offers a rich mix of historical finance and modern tech. As a collections specialist, you’ll collaborate with various financial firms, from established banks to startups. The city’s vibrant job market provides a stable career path with plenty of learning and development.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $62,207
    In Los Angeles, the entertainment capital, collections specialists find a bustling economic environment with diverse industries. With many local businesses and larger corporations, you’ll encounter varied collection scenarios, offering dynamic and engaging work.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $56,766
    Seattle, a city known for tech giants, offers a unique setting for collections specialists. The region’s innovation-driven economy means working with some of the biggest names in tech. The city’s progressive work culture supports professional growth and work-life balance.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $54,713
    Stamford, often called the corporate capital of Connecticut, provides a robust environment for collections professionals. With many financial institutions and insurance companies, you’ll engage in important work that impacts local businesses and the broader economy.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Stamford, CT


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $53,762
    In sunny San Diego, collections specialists benefit from a strong local economy, rich in biotech and defense sectors. The city’s diverse job market offers various opportunities to develop skills and build a rewarding career.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $53,303
    Sacramento, the state capital, presents a unique opportunity for collections specialists. Working with government agencies and financial institutions, you’ll find a stable job market with room for growth and learning in a community-focused setting.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $53,203
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers an exciting environment for collections professionals. With numerous tech firms and startups, you’ll engage with innovative industries and enjoy a dynamic career with diverse challenges.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $52,731
    Worcester, known for its education and healthcare sectors, provides a solid platform for collections specialists. The city’s supportive community and growing job market offer stability and opportunities for those entering this field.
    Find Collections Specialist jobs in Worcester, MA

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

Job seekers aiming for collections specialist roles can expect competitive salaries at top companies. UCLA Health leads with an average salary of $70,771, offering a solid financial incentive for skilled professionals. Other notable employers include Turn2Partners and First Legal, with average salaries over $60,000, making them attractive options for career growth. In addition to UCLA Health, Ascendo Resources and Optum provide average salaries of around $56,000 and $53,000, respectively. These figures reflect stable compensation packages across major employers, suggesting good earning potential for collections specialists.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Collections Specialist jobs, highlighting UCLA Health with the highest at $70,771 and Vaco with the lowest at $51,186.

  1. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $70,771
    UCLA Health offers top-tier salaries for Collections Specialists. They provide opportunities in various locations, including Los Angeles. At UCLA Health, Collections Specialists work on debt recovery for patient accounts, ensuring financial obligations are met.


  2. Turn2Partners
    Average Salary: $61,767
    Turn2Partners pays Collections Specialists well. They operate across the United States. Here, Collections Specialists focus on collections for healthcare providers, helping to improve cash flow.


  3. First Legal
    Average Salary: $60,000
    First Legal offers a competitive salary for Collections Specialists. They have offices in several cities, including Denver and Chicago. Collections Specialists at First Legal work on resolving legal debts, ensuring clients' financial stability.


  4. Advocate Aurora Health
    Average Salary: $57,341
    Advocate Aurora Health provides a good salary for Collections Specialists. They operate in Wisconsin and Illinois. Collections Specialists here manage accounts receivable, working to recover owed amounts efficiently.


  5. Ascendo Resources
    Average Salary: $56,792
    Ascendo Resources offers attractive compensation for Collections Specialists. They are based in California. Collections Specialists help recover outstanding debts, ensuring that clients meet their financial commitments.


  6. Optum
    Average Salary: $53,319
    Optum offers a competitive salary for Collections Specialists. They have multiple locations nationwide. Collections Specialists at Optum focus on managing healthcare payments and ensuring timely collection.


  7. Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego
    Average Salary: $53,226
    Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego pays Collections Specialists well. They are located in San Diego. Collections Specialists here handle debt recovery for pediatric patient accounts, helping to maintain financial health.


  8. Addison Group
    Average Salary: $52,022
    Addison Group offers a good salary for Collections Specialists. They operate in multiple states. Collections Specialists work to recover outstanding debts, ensuring financial stability for their clients.


  9. CooperCompanies
    Average Salary: $51,833
    CooperCompanies provides a competitive salary for Collections Specialists. They are based in California and other states. Collections Specialists focus on managing accounts receivable and ensuring timely payments.


  10. Vaco
    Average Salary: $51,186
    Vaco offers a good salary for Collections Specialists. They have locations across the United States. Collections Specialists here handle debt recovery for various clients, ensuring financial obligations are met.

How to earn more as a Collections Specialist?

Becoming a Collections Specialist offers many opportunities for growth and increased earnings. Mastering skills and strategies can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Here are some factors that can help increase earnings in this field.

Improving communication skills can lead to better interactions with clients. Clear and effective communication can help resolve disputes quickly, leading to faster payments and more satisfied clients. Developing strong negotiation skills is another key factor. Knowing how to negotiate settlements can lead to higher recoveries and better financial outcomes for the company.

Investing in professional development can also make a significant difference. Attending workshops and training sessions can provide new skills and insights. This continuous learning can make a Collections Specialist more effective and valuable. Building a strong network within the industry can open up new job opportunities. Networking with other professionals can lead to referrals and recommendations for higher-paying positions.

Gaining experience in different areas of collections can also boost earnings. Working with various types of debt and clients can provide a broader skill set. This versatility can make a Collections Specialist more attractive to employers, leading to higher pay. Lastly, staying updated on industry trends and regulations is crucial. Being knowledgeable about changes can help avoid mistakes and improve performance.

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

  1. Improve communication skills
  2. Develop strong negotiation skills
  3. Invest in professional development
  4. Build a strong network
  5. Gain experience in different areas of collections

Currently 1,468 Collections Specialist job openings, nationwide.

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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.
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Collections Specialist
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