As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waste Management Manager in the United States is $115,612 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Waste Management Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Waste Management Manager'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Waste Management Manager'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Waste Management Manager | $110,115 |
| Intermediate Level Waste Management Manager | $110,618 |
| Senior Level Waste Management Manager | $111,790 |
| Specialist Level Waste Management Manager | $113,466 |
| Expert Level Waste Management Manager | $116,921 |
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 Management Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 15.11% |
| Economics | 2.01% |
| Packaging | 0.13% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$132,954 |
15%
|
|
Project Management
|
$129,485 |
12%
|
|
Schematic
|
$129,485 |
12%
|
|
Environmental Science
|
$129,485 |
12%
|
|
Motivating
|
$129,485 |
12%
|
|
Economics
|
$127,173 |
10%
|
For Waste Management Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Waste Management Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Waste Management Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $144,515 | $69.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $138,734 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $138,734 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $132,954 | $64.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $132,954 | $64.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Waste Management Managers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Waste Management Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $108,578 and $121,239).
Waste Management Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 21.6% |
| Associates | 8.8% |
| Bachelors | 47.1% |
| Masters | 18.6% |
| Doctorate | 2.9% |
Understanding how a Waste Management Manager'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Waste Management Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $103,264 in 2023 to around $101,843 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Waste Management Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $103,264 |
| 2024 | $102,583 |
| 2025 | $101,843 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Waste Management Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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