As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Handler in the United States is $60,207 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Waste Handler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Waste Handler Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,830 | $5,736 | $1,324 | $33 |
| Average | $60,207 | $5,017 | $1,158 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,201 | $4,433 | $1,023 | $26 |
Bethany on the Lake - ALEXANDRIA, MN
Focus Staff - GEORGETOWN, TX
Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center - MANKATO, MN
Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center - MANKATO, MN
A Waste Handler's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Waste Handler's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Hazardous... Level Waste Handler | $51,944 |
| Waste Han... Level Waste Handler | $59,573 |
| Hazardous... Level Waste Handler | $72,105 |
| Hazardous... Level Waste Handler | $90,580 |
| Hazardous... Level Waste Handler | $117,008 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Waste Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Waste Handler's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,830 | $5,736 | $1,324 | $33 |
| Average | $60,207 | $5,017 | $1,158 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,201 | $4,433 | $1,023 | $26 |
Salaries for a Waste Handler can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,970 in 2023 to around $48,513 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Waste Handler salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,970 |
| 2024 | $48,933 |
| 2025 | $48,513 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Waste Handler and their salaries, click below for more details.
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