As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Solid Waste Manager in the United States is $119,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Solid Waste Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Solid Waste 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 Solid Waste 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 Solid Waste Manager | $113,723 |
| Intermediate Level Solid Waste Manager | $114,242 |
| Senior Level Solid Waste Manager | $115,453 |
| Specialist Level Solid Waste Manager | $117,183 |
| Expert Level Solid Waste Manager | $120,752 |
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 Solid Waste 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
|
$137,310 |
15%
|
|
Project Management
|
$133,728 |
12%
|
|
Schematic
|
$133,728 |
12%
|
|
Environmental Science
|
$133,728 |
12%
|
|
Motivating
|
$133,728 |
12%
|
|
Economics
|
$131,340 |
10%
|
For Solid Waste 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, Solid Waste Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Solid Waste Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $149,250 | $72.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $143,280 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $143,280 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $137,310 | $66.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $137,310 | $66.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Solid Waste 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 Solid Waste Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $108,578 and $121,239).
Solid Waste 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 Solid Waste 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 Solid Waste Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,648 in 2023 to around $105,180 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Solid Waste Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,648 |
| 2024 | $105,944 |
| 2025 | $105,180 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Solid Waste 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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