Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary in West Virginia (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
West Virginia Median
$35,840
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.23
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-28% vs US median
US median $49,690
State Rank
#48 of 51
1,000 employed here

How much do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors make in West Virginia?

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors working in West Virginia earn a median salary of $35,840 per year, or about $17.23 per hour. That is 28% below the national median of $49,690 for this occupation.

Within West Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $26,520 while the top 10% make $47,960 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $29,430 and $43,460 a year.

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary range in West Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$26,520$12.75
25th percentile (early career)$29,430$14.15
50th percentile (median)$35,840$17.23
75th percentile (experienced)$43,460$20.89
90th percentile (top earners)$47,960$23.06

How West Virginia compares

West Virginia ranks 48th 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 West Virginia

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 West Virginia pay ($35,840) 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 West Virginia?
The median Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in West Virginia is $35,840 per year, or about $17.23 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $26,520 at the entry level to $47,960 for the top 10% of earners.
How does West Virginia pay compare to the national average?
West Virginia pays Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors about 28% less than the national median of $49,690. West Virginia ranks 48th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is West Virginia a good state for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $35,840 a year. About 1,000 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors are employed in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in West Virginia include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($597,740), Emergency Medicine Physician ($491,230), Radiologist ($471,650), 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.