Careers · Recycling and Reclamation Workers · Illinois
Recycling and Reclamation Workers in Illinois
Recycling and reclamation workers sort, prepare, and process materials destined for reuse or recycling. They identify hazardous substances that must be removed and dismantle products like appliances to extract recyclable components In Illinois the median pay is $40,550 a year, 1% above the national median of $40,240.
$40,550median pay in Illinois, per year
$35,890–$47,560middle half earn
195,390employed in Illinois
$40,240U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against recycling and reclamation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against recycling and reclamation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlActive ListeningMonitoringOperations MonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMechanicalAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal Service
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Recycling and Reclamation Workers.
Licenses and training in Illinois
Recycling and Reclamation Workers pay in other states
Minnesota · $46,280Washington · $46,190District of Columbia · $45,740North Dakota · $45,690Colorado · $45,370Massachusetts · $44,920Oregon · $44,750California · $44,710New York · $44,630Wisconsin · $44,610
Related occupations
Cleaners of Vehicles and EquipmentLaborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, HandMachine Feeders and OffbearersPackers and Packagers, HandStockers and Order FillersConveyor Operators and TendersCrane and Tower OperatorsDredge Operators
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against recycling and reclamation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against recycling and reclamation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-7062.04. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Illinois, annual.