Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Altoona, PA
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the Altoona, PA metro area earn a median of $35,930 a year ($17.28 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,320 for the top 10%. That is 28% lower than the national median of $49,690. Pay here is 26% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $48,240. There are 1.0 refuse and recyclable material collectors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $38,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Altoona, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,830 | $13.86 |
| 25th percentile | $32,830 | $15.79 |
| Median | $35,930 | $17.28 |
| 75th percentile | $43,960 | $21.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,320 | $27.08 |
| Average (mean) | $38,580 | $18.55 |
Half of refuse and recyclable material collectors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,994.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,497.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,381.92 |
| Weekly | $690.96 |
| Hourly | $17.28 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $35,930 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $59,730 | 2,610 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $59,380 | 110 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $58,680 | 140 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $51,610 | 480 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $49,730 | 1,220 |
| State College, PA | $48,940 | 80 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $47,040 | 150 |
| Erie, PA | $46,380 | 170 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $45,960 | 340 |
| Lancaster, PA | $45,540 | 300 |
| Reading, PA | $38,760 | 210 |
Highest-paying states for refuse and recyclable material collectors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $75,050 |
| Washington | $74,620 |
| New York | $64,950 |
| California | $64,890 |
| Oregon | $63,210 |
| Minnesota | $62,570 |
| Nevada | $61,310 |
| Delaware | $61,290 |
| Colorado | $60,310 |
| Wisconsin | $59,810 |
See Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay in every state or the Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in Altoona, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $34,190 | $16.44 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $39,460 | $18.97 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $33,640 | $16.17 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $34,480 | $16.58 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $52,010 | $25.00 |
| Light Truck Driver | $38,940 | $18.72 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $40,750 | $19.59 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $35,140 | $16.89 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $58,680 | $28.21 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $28,070 | $13.49 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Altoona, PA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-7081. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a refuse and recyclable material collectors make in Altoona, PA?
The median salary for refuse and recyclable material collectors in the Altoona, PA metro area is $35,930 a year, or $17.28 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid refuse and recyclable material collectors make in Altoona, PA?
The top 10% of refuse and recyclable material collectors in the Altoona, PA metro area earn at least $56,320 a year. The top 25% earn $43,960 or more.
What is the starting pay for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Altoona, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,830 a year, and a quarter of refuse and recyclable material collectors earn $32,830 or less.
How many refuse and recyclable material collectors work in Altoona, PA?
About 60 refuse and recyclable material collectors are employed in the Altoona, PA metro area, not counting the self-employed.