These Are The 10 States With The Highest Recycler Salaries For 2026

Top 10 States for Recycler Salaries in 2026

When it comes to job satisfaction, salary consistently ranks as a top priority for most individuals. If you’re wondering, “What do recyclers earn in my state?”, you’re not alone.

While your specific salary can vary based on several factors, we have gathered comprehensive data on average recycler salaries across the United States, categorized by state and seniority level. These averages provide a helpful benchmark for understanding what you might expect to earn in your area.

To illustrate how recycling salaries differ nationwide, we’ve analyzed the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on the average pay for recyclers by state.

In addition, we’ve adjusted these salaries against the cost of living in each state, as a dollar goes further in North Carolina than it does in California.

So, which state offers the highest adjusted salary for recyclers? The answer is Refuse And Recyclable Material Collectors.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the top ten states for recycler salaries:

Now, let’s explore how we arrived at these figures and provide a detailed ranking of all states.

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How We Determined Pay by State

As noted, we analyzed the average annual salary data for recyclers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on their most recent ‘Occupational Employment Statistics’ data.

To ensure a fair comparison of salaries across different states, we also accounted for the cost of living in each location.

To create our index, we divided the average wage for a state by its cost of living relative to the national average. For instance, with California’s cost of living index at 135.9 and an average pay of $48,080, our calculation would be:

$48,080 * (100 / 135.9) = $35,378

This allowed us to rank each state based on this criteria, with the highest salary index indicating the best average salary for recyclers.

Below is a comprehensive ranking of all states based on adjusted recycler salaries.

Detailed List of Recycler Salaries by State

Rank	State	Adjusted Salary	Average Wage	Cost Of Living
1	Illinois	$53,076	$50,210	94.6
2	Washington	$44,049	$46,340	105.2
3	Michigan	$42,820	$38,110	89.0
4	New York	$41,908	$54,900	131.0
5	Arizona	$41,142	$40,320	98.0
6	Delaware	$40,887	$41,460	101.4
7	Wyoming	$39,967	$36,690	91.8
8	Minnesota	$39,930	$40,250	100.8
9	Oregon	$38,105	$44,050	115.6
10	Ohio	$38,091	$35,730	93.8
11	Montana	$37,361	$37,660	100.8
12	Utah	$37,139	$34,540	93.0
13	Rhode Island	$37,009	$44,670	120.7
14	Texas	$36,934	$33,500	90.7
15	Nevada	$36,892	$38,110	103.3
16	Colorado	$36,801	$38,200	103.8
17	Indiana	$35,810	$32,050	89.5
18	Wisconsin	$35,671	$34,530	96.8
19	Oklahoma	$35,650	$31,800	89.2
20	California	$35,378	$48,080	135.9
21	Idaho	$34,885	$32,130	92.1
22	Florida	$34,791	$34,200	98.3
23	Pennsylvania	$34,615	$35,100	101.4
24	New Mexico	$34,590	$33,380	96.5
25	Nebraska	$33,842	$31,000	91.6
26	Missouri	$33,838	$30,590	90.4
27	Alaska	$33,531	$43,960	131.1
28	Kentucky	$33,458	$30,280	90.5
29	Georgia	$33,216	$30,360	91.4
30	Kansas	$33,014	$29,680	89.9
31	Iowa	$32,945	$29,980	91.0
32	Alabama	$32,335	$29,490	91.2
33	Connecticut	$32,012	$40,880	127.7
34	New Jersey	$31,886	$38,870	121.9
35	North Dakota	$31,810	$31,620	99.4
36	Arkansas	$31,274	$27,240	87.1
37	Massachusetts	$31,236	$41,670	133.4
38	Mississippi	$31,175	$26,780	85.9
39	Tennessee	$30,201	$27,000	89.4
40	North Carolina	$29,488	$27,690	93.9
41	Louisiana	$29,462	$27,930	94.8
42	New Hampshire	$28,452	$33,290	117.0
43	Virginia	$28,125	$28,350	100.8
44	Vermont	$26,556	$32,160	121.1
45	West Virginia	$25,653	$23,960	93.4
46	South Carolina	$25,594	$25,390	99.2
47	Maine	$25,153	$27,870	110.8
48	South Dakota	$24,956	$25,880	103.7
49	Maryland	$24,454	$30,690	125.5
50	Hawaii	$22,501	$37,780	167.9

In conclusion, understanding the salary landscape for recyclers can empower you to make informed career decisions. Whether you’re just starting in the recycling industry or looking to advance your career, being aware of regional salary variances can be crucial. Keep these insights in mind as you navigate your career path in 2026.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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