As of Sep 23, 2024, the average annual pay for a Waste Management in the United States is $61,893 a year. This is huge. In this article, we have reviewed 10 best paying jobs in waste management.
Top 10 Best Paying Jobs in Waste Management
- Recycling Specialist
A Recycling Specialist plays a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste. They develop and implement recycling programs, educate stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage recycling programs
- Increase recycling rates and reduce waste
- Collaborate with businesses, municipalities, and communities
- Assess waste streams and identify recyclable materials
- Develop collection and sorting strategies
- Ensure compliance with recycling regulations
- Monitor program effectiveness and conduct waste audits
- Analyze data and provide recommendations for improvement
- Assist in public outreach and education
Salary Expectations:
- Entry-Level: $35,000 – $50,000 per year
- Mid-Level: $50,000 – $75,000 per year
- Senior-Level: $75,000 – $100,000 or higher
Salary can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific organization.
Recycling Sorter
A Recycling Sorter within the waste management industry is responsible for sorting and separating recyclable materials from mixed waste. They work in recycling facilities or sorting centers where they manually or using automated equipment categorize different types of materials for further processing and recycling. Recycling Sorters inspect waste materials, identify and remove contaminants or non-recyclable items, and ensure that recyclable materials are properly sorted into designated bins or containers.
The salary range for this role is as follows:
- Entry-Level: As an entry-level Recycling Sorter, you can expect an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $15. Annual salaries in this range would amount to approximately $20,000 to $30,000.
- Mid-Level: With experience and expertise, a mid-level Recycling Sorter can earn an hourly wage between $15 and $20, equating to an annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Recycling Sorters or those in supervisory roles might earn an hourly wage of $20 or higher, with an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 or more.
- Refuse Collector
A Refuse Collector, also known as a Garbage Collector or Waste Collector, plays a vital role in the waste management industry. Their primary responsibility is to collect and transport solid waste from residential, commercial, or industrial areas for proper disposal. Refuse Collectors operate waste collection vehicles such as garbage trucks or bins and follow designated routes to pick up waste containers.
The salary expectations for a Refuse Collector can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, employing organization, and whether the role is in the public or private sector. Here are some approximate salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level Refuse Collectors, the hourly wage can range from $12 to $17. This would translate to an annual salary of approximately $25,000 to $35,000.
- Mid-Level: Refuse Collectors with a few years of experience can expect an hourly wage ranging from $17 to $22, resulting in an annual salary of about $35,000 to $45,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Refuse Collectors or those in supervisory roles might earn an hourly wage of $22 or higher, leading to an annual salary of $45,000 or more.
- Material Recovery
A career in Material Recovery involves working in recycling facilities or sorting centers to recover valuable materials from waste streams. Material Recovery professionals play a crucial role in the recycling process by identifying, separating, and preparing recyclable materials for further processing and reuse.
The salary expectations for a career in Material Recovery can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific employing organization. However, here are some general salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level positions in Material Recovery, the average annual salary typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. These positions may involve manual sorting and basic operational responsibilities.
- Mid-Level: With several years of experience and additional responsibilities, mid-level Material Recovery professionals can expect an annual salary ranging from $35,000 to $50,000. They may oversee sorting operations, lead teams, and have a deeper understanding of recycling processes.
- Senior-Level: Senior Material Recovery specialists or those in supervisory roles may earn an annual salary of $50,000 or higher. Their expertise in advanced sorting techniques, quality control, and process optimization contributes to their higher salary range.
- Equipment and Truck Operator
An Equipment & Truck Operator within the waste management industry is responsible for operating and maintaining specialized vehicles and equipment used in waste management operations. They play a critical role in the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste materials. Equipment & Truck Operators are skilled in operating various types of waste management equipment, including waste collection trucks, compactors, shredders, and heavy machinery. They follow designated routes and schedules to collect waste containers, load and unload waste materials, and transport them to appropriate disposal sites or recycling facilities.
Salary ranges for Equipment & Truck Operators are typically based on hourly wages. Here are some approximate salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level positions, the hourly wage for Equipment & Truck Operators can range from $13 to $18. This would translate to an annual salary of approximately $27,000 to $37,000.
- Mid-Level: Equipment & Truck Operators with a few years of experience can expect an hourly wage ranging from $18 to $23, resulting in an annual salary of about $37,000 to $48,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Equipment & Truck Operators or those in supervisory roles might earn an hourly wage of $23 or higher, leading to an annual salary of $48,000 or more.
- Mechanic/Technician
A Mechanic or Technician within the waste management industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper maintenance and repair of waste management equipment and vehicles. They are responsible for diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues, conducting routine maintenance, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.
These professionals also keep records of maintenance activities, follow safety protocols, and maintain a clean and organized workshop.
Salary ranges for Mechanics or Technicians are typically based on hourly wages. Here are some approximate salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level positions, the hourly wage for Mechanics or Technicians can range from $15 to $20. This would translate to an annual salary of approximately $31,000 to $41,000.
- Mid-Level: Mechanic or Technician positions with a few years of experience can expect an hourly wage ranging from $20 to $25, resulting in an annual salary of about $41,000 to $52,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Mechanics or Technicians with significant experience and expertise might earn an hourly wage of $25 or higher, leading to an annual salary of $52,000 or more.
- Facilities Manager or Inspector
A Facilities Manager or Inspector within the waste management industry is responsible for overseeing and managing waste management facilities such as recycling plants, landfills, transfer stations, or composting facilities. They ensure that these facilities operate efficiently, comply with environmental regulations, and maintain high standards of safety and environmental responsibility. Facilities Managers or Inspectors monitor operations, manage facility maintenance and repairs, and implement proper waste management practices.
Salary ranges for Facilities Managers or Inspectors can vary significantly. Here are some approximate salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level positions, the annual salary for Facilities Managers or Inspectors can range from $40,000 to $55,000.
- Mid-Level: Facilities Managers or Inspectors with several years of experience can usually expect an annual salary ranging from $55,000 to $75,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Facilities Managers or Inspectors in supervisory roles may earn an annual salary of $75,000 or higher, depending on the complexity and size of the facility.
- Analyst or Consultant
An Analyst or Consultant within the waste management industry provides expertise and analysis to optimize waste management practices, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainability goals. They are responsible for evaluating waste management processes, conducting data analysis, and identifying areas for improvement. Analysts or Consultants develop and implement waste management plans, assess waste streams, and recommend strategies for waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery.
Salary ranges for Analysts or Consultants can vary significantly. Here are some approximate salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level positions, the annual salary for Analysts or Consultants can range from $40,000 to $55,000.
- Mid-Level: Analysts or Consultants with several years of experience can expect an annual salary ranging from $55,000 to $80,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Analysts or Consultants or those in leadership roles may earn an annual salary of $80,000 or higher, depending on the complexity and scope of their responsibilities.
- Sales and Customer Service
A Sales or Customer Service Representative within the waste management industry is responsible for promoting waste management services, attracting new clients, and managing customer relationships. They play a key role in driving business growth by identifying potential customers, understanding their waste management needs, and providing tailored solutions. Sales and Customer Service Representatives engage with clients, answer inquiries, prepare and present proposals or quotes, negotiate contracts, and ensure customer satisfaction. They may also collaborate with internal teams to coordinate service delivery, address customer concerns, and provide ongoing support and account management.
Here are some approximate salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level positions, the annual salary for Sales or Customer Service Representatives can range from $30,000 to $40,000.
- Mid-Level: Sales or Customer Service Representatives with several years of experience can expect an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Sales or Customer Service Representatives or those in managerial roles may earn an annual salary of $60,000 or higher, depending on the complexity of their responsibilities and the size of their sales territory.
- Chemist
A Chemist within the waste management industry is responsible for analyzing waste materials, assessing their composition, and developing strategies for proper treatment or disposal. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials and compliance with environmental regulations. Chemists in waste management may perform laboratory tests, evaluate waste characteristics, and conduct risk assessments to determine appropriate waste management methods.
Salary ranges for Chemists can vary depending on several factors. Below are some approximate salary expectations:
- Entry-Level: For entry-level positions, the annual salary for Chemists in waste management can range from $40,000 to $55,000.
- Mid-Level: Chemists with several years of experience can expect an annual salary ranging from $55,000 to $80,000.
- Senior-Level: Senior-level Chemists or those in leadership roles may earn an annual salary of $80,000 or higher, depending on the complexity and scope of their responsibilities.
whew! It’s been a long read. Waste management is a very lucrative career. According to research, “The waste-to-energy market is projected to reach $42.7 billion by 2027, highlighting the growing demand for innovative approaches to waste management. Starting a career here is not a bad idea. Go for it!
