Careers · Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors · Illinois
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in Illinois
Refuse and recyclable material collectors operate trucks and manage the collection of waste and recyclable materials from residential, commercial, and industrial containers. They empty bins, compact loads, and transport materials to disposal or processing facilities In Illinois the median pay is $75,050 a year, 51% above the national median of $49,690.
$75,050median pay in Illinois, per year
$58,750–$84,300middle half earn
4,910employed in Illinois
$49,690U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against refuse and recyclable material collectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against refuse and recyclable material collectors 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
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingEquipment MaintenanceReading ComprehensionCoordination
Knowledge areas
MechanicalEnglish LanguageTransportationCustomer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and Security
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.
Licenses and training in Illinois
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay in other states
Washington · $74,620New York · $64,950California · $64,890Oregon · $63,210Minnesota · $62,570Nevada · $61,310Delaware · $61,290Colorado · $60,310Wisconsin · $59,810Utah · $59,310
Related occupations
Conveyor Operators and TendersCrane and Tower OperatorsDredge OperatorsHoist and Winch OperatorsIndustrial Truck and Tractor OperatorsCleaners of Vehicles and EquipmentLaborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, HandRecycling and Reclamation Workers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against refuse and recyclable material collectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against refuse and recyclable material collectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-7081.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Illinois, annual.