Recycling and Reclamation Workers Salary in California
Recycling and Reclamation Workers in California earn a median of $44,710 a year, +11% compared with the U.S. median. Figures are for the broader BLS group “Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $44,710
- vs. U.S. median
- +11% ($40,240)
- Rank among states
- 8 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 355,500
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $36,060; the top 10% earn over $57,700. Nationally the range is $31,270 to $55,140.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Tire Builders$44,790 median in California
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$44,020 median in California
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$45,290 median in California
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$49,190 median in California
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$58,310 median in California
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$40,440 median in California
Recycling and Reclamation Workers pay in California
How much do recycling and reclamation workers make in California?
The median is $44,710 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $36,060 and the top 10% earn over $57,700. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for recycling and reclamation workers?
On pay alone it ranks 8 of 51 (+11% vs. the national median of $40,240). Living costs are not included.