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What is a recycling manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a recycling manager. For example, did you know that they make an average of $25.5 an hour? That's $53,049 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 189,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreRecycling ManagerUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $53,049

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 5.92%

Black or African American 6.23%

Hispanic or Latino 15.35%

Unknown 4.34%

White 67.68%

Gender

female 19.40%

male 80.60%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Recycling manager career paths

Key steps to become a recycling manager

  1. Explore recycling manager education requirements

    Most common recycling manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    58.9 %

    Associate

    12.5 %

    High School Diploma

    11.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific recycling manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Operational Procedures18.61%
    Safety Training18.04%
    Waste Management17.63%
    Composting13.61%
    Recycle Program11.49%
  3. Complete relevant recycling manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New recycling managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a recycling manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real recycling manager resumes.
  4. Research recycling manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage web development and rebranding initiative.
    • Develop CRV department to meet state regulations.
    • Train employees in correct and efficient CRV purchasing.
    • Expand CID's facility to process over 1,500,000 tons of contaminate soils.
  5. Apply for recycling manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a recycling manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first recycling manager job

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Average recycling manager salary

The average recycling manager salary in the United States is $53,049 per year or $26 per hour. Recycling manager salaries range between $30,000 and $91,000 per year.

Average recycling manager salary
$53,049 Yearly
$25.50 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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