Recycling and Reclamation Workers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Prepare and sort materials or products for recycling. Identify and remove hazardous substances. Dismantle components of products such as appliances.
Median pay: $40,240/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 384,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Sort materials, such as metals, glass, wood, paper or plastics, into appropriate containers for recycling.
• Clean recycling yard by sweeping, raking, picking up broken glass and loose paper debris, or moving barrels and bins.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, power lifts, or front-end loaders to load bales, bundles, or other heavy items onto trucks for shipping to smelters or other recycled materials processing facilities.
• Sort metals to separate high-grade metals, such as copper, brass, and aluminum, for recycling.
• Clean, inspect, or lubricate recyclable collection equipment or perform routine maintenance or minor repairs on recycling equipment, such as star gears, finger sorters, destoners, belts, and grinders.
What's the median pay for Recycling and Reclamation Workers?
The median pay for Recycling and Reclamation Workers is $40,240 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Recycling and Reclamation Workers?
Employment for Recycling and Reclamation Workers is projected to change +1.5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Recycling and Reclamation Workers?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Recycling and Reclamation Workers?
About 384,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.