Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that employment growth for garbage collectors will grow by 13.2% between 2016 and 2026, with 17,900 jobs opening up. Salaries and wages for garbage collectors range based on their location. One job listing for a trash collector in Los Angeles listed the salary at $30 an hour, while another in Portland, Tennessee, pays $15 to $17 an hour. A similar position in Ridgewood, New York, ranges from $18 to $26 an hour. The BLS said that the median salary for a garbage collector is $36,610. Benefits are often included.
The profession does have its downsides, however. It is considered among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S., with vehicle collisions the most common cause of injury for workers. Garbage workers also might come in contact with hazardous materials, glass, or even animals such as raccoons in the trash cans.