As of June 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Refuse Collector in California is $32,269, equivalent to $16 per hour, $621 weekly, or $2,689 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Refuse Collector in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Refuse Collector in California vary widely, spanning from $27,259 to $36,649. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($29,646) and 75th percentile ($34,562), while top earners (90th percentile) make $36,649 per year. This $4,916 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Commitment or Healthcare Services, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California Refuse Collector often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 67 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Refuse Collector job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
