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~ Salary Guide 2026 ~

Operations / Supervisor Salary

$72,000
Average Annual Salary
$34.50/hr
Typical range: $55,000$95,000 per year

Salary Breakdown

Entry LevelAverageSenior
$50,000$72,000$110,000
Entry Level
$50,000
Average
$72,000
Senior
$110,000

Top Paying Cities

CityStateAvg. Salary
New YorkNY$88,000
San FranciscoCA$85,000
ChicagoIL$78,000
HoustonTX$76,000
SeattleWA$75,000

About This Role

Operations supervisors manage the day-to-day functions of waste management facilities including transfer stations, landfills, and recycling centers. They oversee staffing, equipment utilization, safety compliance, and production targets. This leadership role requires balancing operational efficiency with regulatory requirements and environmental stewardship.

Key Skills

Facility managementStaff scheduling and supervisionOSHA safety complianceBudget managementRegulatory reportingProcess improvement

Certifications

SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO)OSHA 30-Hour General IndustrySWANA Certified Recycling Systems Manager

Job Outlook

Operations supervisors are consistently in demand as waste management companies expand services and open new facilities. The role is evolving to include more data-driven decision-making and sustainability initiatives. Candidates with experience in both field operations and management are well-positioned for advancement to director-level roles.

Operations / Supervisor Jobs Hiring Now

Operations / Supervisor Career Path & Salary Expectations

A career as a operations / supervisor in the waste management industry offers a clear trajectory from entry-level positions starting around $50,000 per year to senior roles earning $110,000 or more annually. With the national average sitting at $72,000 ($34.50/hr), professionals in this field can expect competitive compensation that grows with experience, certifications, and geographic location. Top-paying markets like New York offer salaries as high as $88,000. Whether you are just entering the waste and recycling industry or looking to advance your career, investing in relevant skills and certifications is the most reliable path to higher earning potential in this essential and growing sector.