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What's the salary outlook for Recycling and Reclamation Worker and is it growing?

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Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeStableBright Outlook

Recycling and Reclamation Worker

Operational-level

Also known as: Auto Dismantler, Bobcat Driver, Box Sorter, Computer Recycling Worker

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Recycling and Reclamation Worker, you prepare and sort various materials, like plastics, metals, or electronics, for reuse. This includes carefully identifying and removing hazardous substances and dismantling components of products such as old appliances. You'll often work outdoors, exposed to different weather and materials, always wearing safety gear like shoes, glasses, and gloves. This job suits someone who is observant, listens well, thinks critically, and is comfortable with hands-on, active work.
RecyclingWaste ManagementMaterial ReclamationHazardous Waste HandlingEnvironmental ScienceSustainabilityIndustrial OperationsLogisticsAutomotive

A Day in the Life

The morning chill bites as you arrive at the reclamation center, the air already thick with the metallic scent of processing. You pull on your standard uniform: steel-toed boots, heavy-duty gloves, safety glasses, and a bright orange high-visibility vest over your work clothes. A quick nod to your supervisor, then you head to your assigned station near the plastics sorting line. The rumble of machinery is a constant backdrop, signaling the start of another demanding, hands-on day.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: has a large number of job openings.

Projected growth

+1.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

340,500

per year (US)

Jobs today

2,940,300

in 2025 → 2,991,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
Low
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career offers a stable outlook, with about 340,500 job openings available each year through 2035. The median annual wage for this role is $40,240. You can advance from entry-level positions to roles with more responsibility, potentially supervising teams or specializing in environmental health and safety within a recycling facility.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • General Laborer
  • Waste Collector
  • Production Worker

Where it can lead

  • Recycling Facility Supervisor
  • Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
  • Materials Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly automate the sorting and identification of materials through advanced computer vision and robotic systems, reducing the need for manual sorting in recycling and reclamation. This shift will likely require workers to transition into roles focused on monitoring, maintaining, and operating these sophisticated AI-driven machines, enhancing efficiency and material recovery.

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Salary

$40,240

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Environmental Science

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Environmental Studies

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Natural Resources/Conservation, General

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Sustainability & Environment

University • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Sustainability Management

University • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Environmental Engineering

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

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