UK AI Job-Risk Index · SOC 2010 9235
Ranks #254 of 293 for AI exposure (1 = most exposed)
How exposed to AI are refuse and salvage occupations?
16/100
AI exposure score (percentile across all 365 occupations DfE scored)
Very low#254
of 293 UK occupations (1 = most exposed)
£20,628
median full-time pay (ONS ASHE 2020) · 22,000 employee jobs
Refuse and salvage occupations sits in the very low exposure band: its abilities overlap with current AI applications more than about 16% of the 365 UK occupations the Department for Education scored. Lower exposure usually means more of the work depends on physical, practical or in-person abilities that current AI applications do not cover well. It does not mean the job will be untouched by technology.
Underlying scores: AIOE (all AI) -1.25, LLM exposure -1.30 (standardised; 0 is the average occupation). Skill level: Level 1. Pay and job counts are 2020 figures, so use them to compare occupations rather than as current salaries.
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Job titles in this occupation
Titles the ONS SOC 2010 coding index places in unit group 9235. If your job title is here, this page uses the right figures for you.
dustman · recycler · scavenger · bin lifter · salvage hand · refuse tipman · tip attendant · paper recycler · refuse remover · salvage worker · salvage foreman · scrap collector · waste collector · recycling worker · refuse collector · refuse operative · salvage collector · landfill operative · recycling operator · cleansing inspector · recycling operative · sanitary superintendent
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Lower-risk related jobs
Occupations in the same SOC 2010 sub-major group with a lower AI exposure score, highest-paid first. Pay difference is against £20,628 (ONS ASHE 2020 median, full-time). Switching usually needs retraining; this is a starting point, not advice.
| Occupation | Exposure | Median pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street cleaners | 6/100 | £20,244 | −£384 |
| Vehicle valeters and cleaners | 2/100 | £19,976 | −£652 |
| Bar staff | 10/100 | £18,144 | −£2,484 |
| Cleaners and domestics | 2/100 | £17,899 | −£2,729 |
| Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers | 3/100 | £17,396 | −£3,232 |
Occupations with similar exposure
- Metal making and treating process operatives (15/100)
- Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers (15/100)
- Metal working production and maintenance fitters (14/100)
- Paper and wood machine operatives (14/100)
← #253 Electroplaters · #255 Metal making and treating process operatives →
FAQ: Refuse and salvage occupations and AI
Will AI replace refuse and salvage occupations?
The index does not predict job losses. Refuse and salvage occupations has an AI exposure score of 16/100 (very low band), ranking #254 of 293 UK occupations, where 1 is the most exposed. Lower exposure means more of the work relies on abilities current AI applications cover less well.
How does this compare with similar jobs?
Refuse and salvage occupations is one of 16 occupations in its SOC 2010 sub-major group in the index; 10 of the others are more exposed to AI.
How much do refuse and salvage occupations earn?
Median gross annual pay for full-time employees was £20,628 in ONS ASHE 2020 (Table 14), across about 22,000 employee jobs. These are 2020 figures, so use them to compare jobs rather than as current salaries.
Which related jobs are less exposed to AI?
In the same sub-major group, lower-exposure occupations include Street cleaners (6/100, £20,244), Vehicle valeters and cleaners (2/100, £19,976), Bar staff (10/100, £18,144).
Where does this data come from?
AI exposure uses Department for Education (2023) AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) scores; pay and job counts come from ONS ASHE 2020. Job titles come from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index.
Source: Department for Education (2023), The impact of AI on UK jobs and training (AIOE scores); ONS ASHE 2020 Table 14; job titles from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index (v7). Exposure is not a prediction of job loss. Methodology · Embed this data
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