Shigoto Zukan
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How to become refuse and recyclable material collectorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Logistics Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$49,690
25th–75th pct. $39,080–$62,020
Top pay (est.)
$98,700
Top 10% $75,900
Pay in 5 years
$57,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$67,300est.
$57,900–$78,200
Outlook score
51/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
26%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.1%
16K openings / yr

How to become refuse and recyclable material collectors

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Key skills

Operation and Control
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.6
Operations Monitoring
2.6
Coordination
2.5
Active Listening
2.5
Time Management
2.4
Social Perceptiveness
2.1
Complex Problem Solving
2.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.4
English Language
2.5
Transportation
2.4
Customer and Personal Service
2.1
Public Safety and Security
2.0
Production and Processing
1.9
Education and Training
1.8
Mathematics
1.8

What the work involves

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Static StrengthFar VisionReaction TimeTrunk StrengthMultilimb CoordinationNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
81%
Associate's degree
11%
Post-secondary certificate
6%
Less than high school
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
81%
None / short demo
17%
1–3 months
2%

Related work experience

1–3 months
15%
4–6 years
8%
2–4 years
6%
3–6 months
5%
Up to 1 month
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as refuse and recyclable material collectors

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.