What is a recycling worker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreRecycling WorkerUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $41,623

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
9.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%

Asian 7.27%

Black or African American 10.44%

Hispanic or Latino 17.91%

Unknown 4.18%

White 59.37%

Gender

female 11.17%

male 88.83%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.1

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.8

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Recycling Worker career paths

Key steps to become a recycling worker

  1. Explore recycling worker education requirements

    Most common recycling worker degrees

    High School Diploma

    41.3 %

    Bachelor's

    22.7 %

    Associate

    16.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific recycling worker skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Recyclable Materials41.39%
    OSHA34.74%
    Loaders12.17%
    Power Lifts3.26%
    Routine Maintenance2.60%
  3. Complete relevant recycling worker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New recycling workers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a recycling worker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real recycling worker resumes.
  4. Research recycling worker duties and responsibilities

    • Work at Y12 removing and bagging asbestos shingles from old buildings.
    • Assist customers with recycling of CRV beverages/containers.
    • Operate automated and semiautomate hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
  5. Prepare your recycling worker resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your recycling worker resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a recycling worker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Recycling Worker Resume templates

    Build a professional Recycling Worker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Recycling Worker resume.
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
    Recycling Worker Resume
  6. Apply for recycling worker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a recycling worker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Recycling Worker Job

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Average recycling worker salary

The average Recycling Worker salary in the United States is $41,623 per year or $20 per hour. Recycling worker salaries range between $23,000 and $73,000 per year.

Average Recycling Worker Salary
$41,623 Yearly
$20.01 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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