How much does a Recycling Technician make?
Recycling Technicians play a key role in managing waste and promoting sustainability. They earn a solid income as they help the environment. The average yearly salary for a Recycling Technician is around $37,742. This salary offers a fair reward for their hard work and dedication to recycling efforts.
The salary range for Recycling Technicians is quite broad. Here’s a breakdown of what different levels might earn:
- Top 10% earn $68,921 or more
- Top 25% earn $50,320 or more
- Top 50% earn $39,160 or more
- Bottom 50% earn $31,720 or less
- Bottom 25% earn $28,000 or less
What are the highest paying cities for a Recycling Technician?

-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $82,675
In San Diego, working in recycling offers a mix of outdoor and indoor tasks. Many local companies prioritize eco-friendly practices. Opportunities include managing waste for businesses and overseeing community recycling programs.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $52,637
Raleigh has a growing focus on sustainability. Those in recycling play a key role in city programs. Many work with companies like Duke Energy to improve recycling efforts.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Raleigh, NC
-
Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $48,634
Salt Lake City values clean and sustainable practices. Recycling professionals help manage waste for both businesses and residents. Working with local government and environmental groups is common.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Salt Lake City, UT
-
Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $40,237
In Atlanta, recycling jobs involve sorting and processing materials. The city has many green initiatives. Companies like Waste Management offer good opportunities.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Atlanta, GA
-
Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $39,039
Allentown has a strong recycling sector. Recycling technicians often work with local waste companies. These jobs focus on efficient waste management and recycling education.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Allentown, PA
-
Chattanooga, TN
Average Salary: $34,606
Chattanooga emphasizes sustainability. Recycling roles involve managing waste for businesses and the community. Local companies like Republic Services provide many job opportunities.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Chattanooga, TN
-
Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $34,373
Charlotte’s recycling industry supports the city’s eco-friendly goals. Technicians often work with major waste management firms. Many focus on educating the public about recycling.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Charlotte, NC
-
Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $34,203
Phoenix offers diverse recycling job opportunities. Technicians work with local waste companies to manage and process recyclables. Hot weather means a mix of indoor and outdoor tasks.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Phoenix, AZ
-
Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $33,841
In Indianapolis, recycling technicians help manage city waste. They often work with companies focused on sustainability. Educating the public on recycling practices is a key part of the job.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Indianapolis, IN
-
Eugene, OR
Average Salary: $33,062
Eugene prides itself on green initiatives. Recycling roles here focus on waste management and education. Many work with local environmental groups and waste companies.
Find Recycling Technician jobs in Eugene, OR
What are the best companies a Recycling Technician can work for?

-
The Azek Company
Average Salary: $44,725
The Azek Company offers exciting opportunities for Recycling Technicians across the United States. They focus on sustainable building materials and operate in various locations, including Florida, Texas, and California. Technicians here help manage waste and ensure recycling processes are efficient.
-
AstenJohnson
Average Salary: $44,380
AstenJohnson provides a range of environmental services, including recycling. They are based in the Midwest, with offices in Chicago and St. Louis. Recycling Technicians at AstenJohnson play a key role in managing waste for local businesses and government entities.
-
EMR USA Metal Recycling
Average Salary: $43,818
EMR USA Metal Recycling specializes in the collection and processing of metal waste. Operating nationwide, they have major facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Recycling Technicians here manage metal recycling operations and ensure safety and efficiency.
-
ABM Industries Inc.
Average Salary: $34,301
ABM Industries Inc. offers diverse services, including recycling, and has locations across the United States. They focus on providing comprehensive environmental services. Recycling Technicians here support waste management projects and contribute to recycling initiatives.
-
ServiceMax Corporation
Average Salary: $33,759
ServiceMax Corporation provides field service management software and also offers recycling services. With offices in California and Texas, they support local recycling efforts. Technicians here assist in managing recycling programs and ensuring effective waste management.
-
SBM Management Services
Average Salary: $33,616
SBM Management Services operates in several states, including California and New York. They focus on providing waste management and recycling services to businesses. Recycling Technicians here help to streamline recycling processes and manage waste effectively.
How to earn more as a Recycling Technician?
Recycling Technicians play an important role in environmental sustainability. This job can also lead to good earnings with the right approach. Here are some ways a Recycling Technician can earn more.
First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Working more years in the field allows a technician to handle tasks more efficiently. Experienced workers often know shortcuts and best practices. This can make them more productive. Companies value efficiency. They may offer higher wages to experienced Recycling Technicians. Second, certifications can make a technician more valuable. Special training in areas like hazardous waste management or machinery operation can open up higher-paying opportunities. Employers often pay more for specialized skills.
Consider these additional steps to increase earnings:
- Seek promotions or lateral moves to higher-paying roles.
- Work overtime or extra shifts when possible.
- Pursue further education to qualify for advanced positions.
- Network within the industry to learn about unadvertised jobs.
- Stay updated with industry trends to remain competitive.



