How much does a Trash Collector make?
Trash collectors play an essential role in keeping our communities clean and healthy. They work outdoors and may have to deal with different weather conditions, making their job both challenging and rewarding. The average yearly salary for a trash collector is about $38,960. This means that, on average, they earn nearly $20 per hour.
Some trash collectors start out earning less than $20,000 a year. As they gain experience, their salary can increase. Here is a look at the salary distribution:
- About 6% earn less than $19,400.
- 1.5% earn between $19,400 and $24,000.
- 0.25% earn between $24,000 and $28,700.
- 1.7% earn between $28,700 and $33,400.
- 5.2% earn between $33,400 and $38,100.
- 20.7% earn between $38,100 and $42,800.
- 28% earn between $42,800 and $47,500.
- 14.4% earn between $47,500 and $52,200.
- 8.5% earn between $52,200 and $56,900.
- 6% earn between $56,900 and $61,600.
- 2.7% earn over $61,600.
What are the highest paying cities for a Trash Collector?

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Oklahoma City, OK
Average Salary: $96,431
Working in Oklahoma City as a trash collector is a reliable job with good benefits. Many residents value this work, ensuring neighborhoods stay clean. The city's sanitation department is known for providing good training and support.
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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $58,084
Des Moines offers a steady job with ample opportunities for those interested in sanitation. The city takes pride in its cleanliness, making this role important. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and decent pay.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $56,143
In Baltimore, being a trash collector is crucial for maintaining the city's cleanliness. The city has programs to support workers, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed. It's a job that makes a real difference in the community.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $51,364
Stamford values cleanliness, making trash collectors essential. The city provides good benefits and training to its workers. It’s a job where employees see the direct impact of their hard work every day.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $51,050
Seattle's trash collectors play a vital role in keeping the city clean and green. The department offers good training and resources. It’s a job that offers stability and a chance to be part of a thriving community.
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Columbia, MO
Average Salary: $49,799
In Columbia, trash collectors help maintain a clean and healthy environment. The city offers good training programs and benefits. It’s a role where workers make a noticeable difference in their neighborhoods.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $44,848
Austin's trash collectors are key to keeping the city clean and beautiful. The city provides good support and training for employees. It’s a job that offers stability and the chance to be part of a growing city.
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Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $44,265
Lansing values the work of its trash collectors, providing good training and benefits. The role is vital for keeping the city clean and organized. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $44,244
In Colorado Springs, trash collectors are essential for maintaining a clean environment. The city offers good support and training. It’s a job that provides stability and the chance to be part of a vibrant community.
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Lubbock, TX
Average Salary: $43,671
Lubbock’s trash collectors play a crucial role in maintaining the city's cleanliness. The city offers good training and resources. It’s a job that offers stability and a chance to be part of a friendly community.
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What are the best companies a Trash Collector can work for?

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Recology
Average Salary: $60,963
Recology offers well-paying Trash Collector jobs with benefits and career growth. They operate in California and the Pacific Northwest.
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City of Rapid City
Average Salary: $59,055
The City of Rapid City provides stable Trash Collector positions. This local government entity operates in Rapid City, South Dakota.
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Interstate Waste Services
Average Salary: $56,390
Interstate Waste Services pays competitive wages for Trash Collectors. They serve clients across multiple states, including Texas and California.
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Waste Connections
Average Salary: $47,078
Waste Connections offers Trash Collector jobs with solid wages. This company operates in multiple locations across the United States.
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5280 Community Waste Solutions
Average Salary: $40,956
5280 Community Waste Solutions provides Trash Collector jobs with a decent salary. They operate in Colorado.
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Valet Living
Average Salary: $39,467
Valet Living offers Trash Collector roles with a competitive salary. They operate primarily in Colorado.
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Fetch Package
Average Salary: $37,478
Fetch Package provides Trash Collector positions with a fair salary. They are based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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City of Sand Springs
Average Salary: $36,706
The City of Sand Springs offers Trash Collector jobs with a solid salary. This city operates in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.
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ABM Industries Inc.
Average Salary: $32,984
ABM Industries Inc. offers Trash Collector roles with an average salary. They have a nationwide presence in the United States.
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Amass Solutions LLC
Average Salary: $30,816
Amass Solutions LLC provides Trash Collector jobs with a modest salary. They operate in various locations across the United States.
How to earn more as a Trash Collector?
Becoming a trash collector is a practical career choice, but there are ways to earn more in this field. One way is to take on additional responsibilities. These can include overseeing a team or handling special tasks. Another way is to work overtime. Many trash collection companies offer overtime pay for extra hours.
Seeking promotions can also increase earnings. Companies often have various positions with higher pay, such as team leader or supervisor. Staying on top of training and safety procedures can make someone a good candidate for these roles. Other opportunities to earn more include working in different shifts. Night shifts and weekend shifts often come with higher pay. Lastly, working for larger companies or private firms can sometimes offer better pay than smaller local services.
Here are five key factors to earn more as a trash collector:
- Take on extra responsibilities
- Work overtime
- Seek promotions
- Work different shifts
- Work for larger companies



