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Job outlook for recycling center operators in the United States
Are recycling center operator jobs in demand?
Yes, recycling center operator jobs are in demand. Recycling center operator demand is projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028.
Recycling center operator job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of recycling center operator jobs and the average recycling center operator salary over time.
Recycling center operator jobs over time
Recycling center operator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 337 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 415 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 476 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 501 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 562 | 0.00% |
Average recycling center operator salary over time
Recycling center operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,758 | $16.71 | --0.4% |
| 2024 | $34,885 | $16.77 | --0.8% |
| 2023 | $35,158 | $16.90 | +3.3% |
| 2022 | $34,036 | $16.36 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $33,117 | $15.92 | +0.6% |
Recycling center operator jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of recycling center operator job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where recycling center operators earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average salary: Job openings:
Most common states for recycling center operators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 173 | 25% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,496 | 22% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 424 | 22% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 264 | 20% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 147 | 20% |
| 6 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 514 | 18% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 196 | 18% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 701 | 13% |
| 9 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 572 | 13% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 707 | 12% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,025 | 11% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 224 | 11% |
| 13 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 191 | 11% |
| 14 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 400 | 10% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,185 | 9% |
| 16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,149 | 9% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 804 | 9% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 568 | 9% |
| 19 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 124 | 9% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 84 | 9% |
Most common cities for recycling center operators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schaumburg | 5 | 7% | $37,650 |
| 2 | Rexburg | 1 | 4% | $45,409 |
| 3 | LaGrange | 1 | 3% | $29,655 |
| 4 | Vacaville | 1 | 1% | $43,964 |
| 5 | Charlotte | 1 | 0% | $30,806 |
| 6 | Glendale | 1 | 0% | $41,493 |