Garbage men (refuse collectors) in 2025 make an average hourly wage of about $17 to $19, which translates to an average annual salary of around $34,000 to $36,000 in the United States. Entry-level earnings start at approximately $12 to $16 per hour, while the highest-paid can earn over $30 per hour, with some cases exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with more experience or supervisory roles. Geographic location and employer type also influence pay, with some states like New York offering higher average salaries, around $76,000 per year.
Average Pay
- Average hourly wage: $17.43 to $19.21
- Average annual salary: ~$34,000 to $36,000
- Entry-level pay: ~$12 to $16 per hour
- Top earners: Over $30 per hour, sometimes above $100,000 annually
Pay Variation by Location
- New York: ~$76,450 per year average
- California: ~$59,380 per year average
- Philadelphia: Around $34,000 per year average
Pay Factors
- Experience significantly increases wages
- Higher salaries available in local government roles over private companies
- Some workers, especially truck drivers or supervisors, can earn more
This provides a general overview of earnings for garbage men in 2025 in the U.S. with specific pay ranges depending on experience and location.
