Recycler vs transfer station operator

The differences between recyclers and transfer station operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a recycler and a transfer station operator. Additionally, a transfer station operator has an average salary of $38,127, which is higher than the $30,026 average annual salary of a recycler.

The top three skills for a recycler include OSHA, basic math and safety regulations. The most important skills for a transfer station operator are end loaders, equipment maintenance, and landfill.

Recycler vs transfer station operator overview

	Recycler	Transfer Station Operator
Yearly salary	$30,026	$38,127
Hourly rate	$14.44	$18.33
Growth rate	7%	-3%
Number of jobs	358	31,100
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 32%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	12	12

Recycler vs transfer station operator salary

Recyclers and transfer station operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Recycler	Transfer Station Operator
Average salary	$30,026	$38,127
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $42,000	Between $26,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	Cleveland, OH	-
Highest paying state	Maine	-
Best paying company	Bob's Discount Furniture	-
Best paying industry	Utilities	-

Differences between recycler and transfer station operator education

There are a few differences between a recycler and a transfer station operator in terms of educational background:

	Recycler	Transfer Station Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 32%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Recycler vs transfer station operator demographics

Here are the differences between recyclers' and transfer station operators' demographics:

	Recycler	Transfer Station Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 82.0% Female, 18.0%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 6.6% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 6.0% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between recycler and transfer station operator duties and responsibilities

Recycler example responsibilities.

Manage warehouse operations and maintain workflows and production schedules in alignment with company policies and federal regulations such as OSHA.
Recycle cans run a beller.
Calibrate instruments per ISO instructions.
Pick packing wraping sorting dismantle forklift
Organize and publicize composting workshops and bin sales.
Used tools such as torches and saws to cut up used products.

Transfer station operator example responsibilities.

Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Review, complete and file necessary documents to reserve training locations and ammunition requests.

Recycler vs transfer station operator skills

Common recycler skills

OSHA, 23%
Basic Math, 17%
Safety Regulations, 10%
Recyclable Materials, 10%
Cardboard Boxes, 6%
Load Trucks, 6%

Common transfer station operator skills

End Loaders, 37%
Equipment Maintenance, 22%
Landfill, 21%
Hazardous Materials, 15%
Roll-Off Truck, 3%
DOT, 2%

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Recycler vs Transfer Station Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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