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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$32,950
per year
Hourly Rate
$15.84
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-34% vs US median
US median $49,690
State Rank
#51 of 51
340 employed here

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

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors working in South Dakota earn a median salary of $32,950 per year, or about $15.84 per hour. That is 34% below the national median of $49,690 for this occupation.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $27,380 while the top 10% make $47,700 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $29,620 and $37,820 a year.

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$27,380$13.16
25th percentile (early career)$29,620$14.24
50th percentile (median)$32,950$15.84
75th percentile (experienced)$37,820$18.18
90th percentile (top earners)$47,700$22.93

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 51st 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 South 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 South Dakota pay ($32,950) 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 South Dakota?
The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in South Dakota is $32,950 per year, or about $15.84 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $27,380 at the entry level to $47,700 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors about 34% less than the national median of $49,690. South Dakota ranks 51st out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $32,950 a year. About 340 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are employed in South Dakota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), 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.