Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in North Dakota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Dakota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Dakota Median
$59,000
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.37
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+19% vs US median
US median $49,690
State Rank
#12 of 51
360 employed here

How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in North Dakota?

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Dakota take home a median of $59,000 annually — roughly $28.37 an hour — which runs 19% above the national median of $49,690.

Within North Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $41,690 while the top 10% make $71,330 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,770 and $61,640 a year.

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary range in North Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$41,690$20.04
25th percentile (early career)$47,770$22.97
50th percentile (median)$59,000$28.37
75th percentile (experienced)$61,640$29.63
90th percentile (top earners)$71,330$34.29

How North Dakota compares

North Dakota ranks 12th out of 51 states and territories for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Illinois$75,050
2Washington$74,620
3New York$64,950
4California$64,890
5Oregon$63,210

Working as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in North Dakota

Nationally, about 147,000 people work as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Dakota pay ($59,000) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in North Dakota?
The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in North Dakota is $59,000 per year, or about $28.37 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $41,690 at the entry level to $71,330 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Dakota pay compare to the national average?
North Dakota pays Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors about 19% more than the national median of $49,690. North Dakota ranks 12th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Dakota a good state for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
Yes on pay — North Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $59,000 a year. About 360 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are employed in North Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in North Dakota include Surgeon, All Other ($604,890), Radiologist ($553,140), Physician, All Other ($454,550), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.