Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in Montana
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Montana earn a median of $49,420 a year ($23.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 370 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,730 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $49,690. Montana ranks 24th of 51 states for refuse and recyclable material collectors pay. There are 0.72 refuse and recyclable material collectors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.76). The average (mean) salary is $50,200, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| 25th percentile | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| Median | $49,420 | $23.76 |
| 75th percentile | $58,090 | $27.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,730 | $29.20 |
| Average (mean) | $50,200 | $24.14 |
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 | $4,118.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,059.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,900.77 |
| Weekly | $950.38 |
| Hourly | $23.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,420 salary, see how much house you can afford in Montana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in cities in Montana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $59,660 | 70 |
| Helena, MT | $52,800 | 40 |
| Billings, MT | $48,010 | 50 |
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.
Related jobs in Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $39,050 | $18.77 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,840 | $21.08 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,060 | $23.10 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | $38,760 | $18.64 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | $57,620 | $27.70 |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | $83,750 | $40.27 |
| Wellhead Pumper | $57,830 | $27.80 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $80,070 | $38.50 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $71,770 | $34.51 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $82,800 | $39.81 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $58,870 | $28.30 |
| Light Truck Driver | $46,420 | $22.32 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Montana
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 Montana?
The median salary for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Montana is $49,420 a year, or $23.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid refuse and recyclable material collectors make in Montana?
The top 10% of refuse and recyclable material collectors in Montana earn at least $60,730 a year. The top 25% earn $58,090 or more.
What is the starting pay for refuse and recyclable material collectors in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,080 a year, and a quarter of refuse and recyclable material collectors earn $45,330 or less.
How many refuse and recyclable material collectors work in Montana?
About 370 refuse and recyclable material collectors are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.