How much does a Recycling Technician make?
A Recycling Technician can earn a decent income, with the average yearly salary standing at about $37,862. This job often provides a stable income, which is a great benefit for those looking to build their careers. The salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer.
Here are some insights into what Recycling Technicians might earn at different points in their careers:
- The bottom 10% earn around $27,721.
- The next 25% can expect to make between $27,721 and $35,042.
- The median salary sits at about $38,703.
- The top 10% make over $67,988 a year.
This range shows that with experience and additional skills, salaries can grow. Job seekers should look for opportunities to gain experience and certifications to increase their earning potential in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Recycling Technician?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $84,645
In San Diego, a city known for its beautiful weather, recycling technicians support local businesses and residents in their eco-friendly efforts. Prominent companies like Waste Management offer rewarding opportunities to those who care about the environment. This role helps keep San Diego clean and sustainable.
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Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $52,497
Raleigh, a growing city in North Carolina, has many companies dedicated to environmental sustainability. Recycling Technicians play a crucial role here, ensuring that waste is processed efficiently. Companies like Duke Energy provide excellent career growth and development in this field.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $48,884
Salt Lake City offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and urban living. Recycling Technicians here help manage the city's waste management system, making the environment cleaner. Companies such as Salt Lake City Solid Waste Services offer stable jobs with a strong community focus.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $40,237
Atlanta is a major city with a strong commitment to recycling. Technicians in Atlanta work with large companies like Waste Pro to manage and process recyclables. This role supports the city's efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
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Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $39,039
In Allentown, recycling technicians contribute to the community's environmental health. Working with companies like Rump Recycling, they ensure that recyclables are processed efficiently. This job offers steady work and the satisfaction of helping the environment.
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Chattanooga, TN
Average Salary: $34,823
Chattanooga is known for its natural beauty and commitment to green living. Recycling Technicians here work with companies such as the City of Chattanooga Public Works. This role is key to maintaining the city's eco-friendly initiatives.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $34,268
Charlotte is a bustling city with a growing focus on sustainability. Technicians here help manage waste through companies like Recology. This job provides opportunities to contribute to the city's environmental goals.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $33,841
In Indianapolis, recycling technicians play a vital role in the city's waste management efforts. Companies like Republic Services offer roles that are important for keeping the city clean and green. This job is rewarding for those who value environmental stewardship.
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Eugene, OR
Average Salary: $33,062
Eugene, known for its progressive environmental policies, relies on recycling technicians. They work with companies like Waste Management to ensure proper recycling practices. This role helps the community live more sustainably.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $32,891
Austin is a vibrant city with a strong focus on sustainability. Recycling Technicians here support local companies like Republic Services in their efforts to manage waste. This job offers a chance to be part of a community that values the environment.
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What are the best companies a Recycling Technician can work for?

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The Azek Company
Average Salary: $44,829
The Azek Company provides unique building materials. They seek Recycling Technicians to manage their recycling efforts. This company operates in several locations across the United States, including Florida, Texas, and California. They focus on sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
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EMR USA Metal Recycling
Average Salary: $43,667
EMR USA Metal Recycling specializes in metal recycling. They offer rewarding careers for Recycling Technicians. The company operates nationwide with locations in major cities such as Chicago, Houston, and New York. They emphasize safety and efficiency in their recycling processes.
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SUEZ
Average Salary: $39,356
SUEZ is a global leader in environmental services. They have Recycling Technician roles that focus on waste management and recycling. SUEZ operates in multiple countries, including the United States, France, and India. They are committed to sustainability and resource efficiency.
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American Furniture Warehouse
Average Salary: $36,735
American Furniture Warehouse offers furniture at affordable prices. They need Recycling Technicians to handle the recycling of returned products. The company operates in the Midwest, with locations in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. They focus on reducing waste and promoting recycling.
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Rooms To Go
Average Salary: $35,000
Rooms To Go provides furniture and home decor. They have Recycling Technician jobs to manage their recycling programs. This company has stores across the Southeast, including Florida and Georgia. They are dedicated to environmental responsibility.
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ABM Industries Inc.
Average Salary: $34,285
ABM Industries Inc. offers facility management services. They seek Recycling Technicians to assist with their recycling initiatives. The company has locations throughout the United States, from New York to California. They focus on sustainability and community involvement.
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SBM Management Services
Average Salary: $33,664
SBM Management Services provides various facility management services. They have Recycling Technician roles that help with recycling efforts. The company operates in several states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They emphasize waste reduction and recycling practices.
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ServiceMax Corporation
Average Salary: $33,633
ServiceMax Corporation offers software for field service management. They need Recycling Technicians to manage recycling programs for their operations. The company operates in the United States, with offices in California and Colorado. They focus on efficiency and environmental stewardship.
How to earn more as a Recycling Technician?
A Recycling Technician plays a vital role in environmental sustainability. This profession offers opportunities for growth and increased earnings. By focusing on key areas, Recycling Technicians can enhance their skills and value in the industry. This, in turn, can lead to higher pay and job satisfaction.
One way to earn more as a Recycling Technician is to gain additional certifications. Specialized training in areas like hazardous waste management or industrial waste processing can set a technician apart. These certifications can qualify a technician for higher-paying roles. They can also open up new career paths within the recycling sector. Another way to increase earnings is to seek out positions in growing regions. Areas with expanding recycling programs often have higher demand for skilled technicians. Pursuing employment in these regions can lead to better salaries and job stability. Building experience and expertise also plays a crucial role. Technicians who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to learning can advance to supervisory or managerial positions. These roles typically offer higher wages and greater responsibility.
Additionally, staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies can significantly boost a technician’s earnings. Many companies value technicians who can bring innovative ideas and efficient practices to the table. Networking with peers and attending industry conferences can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Finally, exploring roles in related industries can also lead to higher pay. Skills in waste management and environmental science are transferable to sectors such as waste disposal and sustainability consulting.
- Obtain specialized certifications
- Seek jobs in growing regions
- Build experience and expertise
- Stay updated with industry trends
- Explore related industry roles



