Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in Tennessee (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 53-7081As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Overview
The median wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Tennessee is $43,270 per year (gross, before tax) — 12.9% below the US national median of $49,690 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 3,000 people work in this occupation in Tennessee. Negotiating an offer in Tennessee? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
Tennessee Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $28,390 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $35,410 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $43,270 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $57,330 | Experienced |
| 90th | $61,400 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
Role-specific interview prep for this occupation.
Check Price →A new job often means a new city, car or mortgage application — check your score first. 7-day trial for $1.
Start $1 Trial →How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $75,050 | +51.0% |
| Washington | $74,620 | +50.2% |
| New York | $64,950 | +30.7% |
| California | $64,890 | +30.6% |
| Oregon | $63,210 | +27.2% |
| Minnesota | $62,570 | +25.9% |
| Nevada | $61,310 | +23.4% |
| Delaware | $61,290 | +23.3% |
| Colorado | $60,310 | +21.4% |
| Wisconsin | $59,810 | +20.4% |
| Tennessee | $43,270 | -12.9% |
All states for refuse and recyclable material collectors →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in Tennessee? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in Tennessee · UK data for this occupation
Related Elementary Occupations Roles in Tennessee
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a refuse and recyclable material collectors in Tennessee?
The median salary in Tennessee is $43,270 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $44,320.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the US national average?
Tennessee is 12.9% below the US national median of $49,690 for this occupation.
Which US state pays refuse and recyclable material collectors the most?
Illinois has the highest median pay for this occupation at $75,050 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25