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How much does a Grain Elevator Operator make?

The average salary for a Grain Elevator Operator is $39,600 per year in the US.

Grain elevator operators play a key role in the agriculture industry. They manage the equipment that moves grain from trucks to storage. This job requires attention to detail and a good understanding of the machinery. The average yearly salary for a grain elevator operator is around $39,600. This figure can vary based on experience and location.

The salary range for grain elevator operators can differ. The lowest 10% earn about $30,000 per year. The top 10% make more than $60,000 annually. Most operators fall somewhere in the middle. Factors like the size of the elevator and the region can affect earnings. For example, operators in larger cities or states with more grain activity may earn more. Experience also plays a big part. Those with more years in the job often see higher pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Grain Elevator Operator?

Grain Elevator Operators can find high-paying opportunities in several cities. Kansas City, MO, offers the highest average salary at $49,209. San Jose, CA, and Midland, TX, also provide competitive wages, with averages around $44,425 and $42,625, respectively. These cities present attractive options for those seeking better pay in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Kansas City, MO with the highest at $49,209 and Las Vegas, NV with the lowest at $35,296.
  1. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $49,209
    In Kansas City, you can find work with major grain companies. The area's strong agricultural presence offers many opportunities. The average salary for this role is around $49,209.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Kansas City, MO


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $44,425
    San Jose has a growing demand for grain handling. Companies like Cargill and ADM are prominent here. The average salary for this job is about $44,425.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $42,625
    Midland is a key location for grain elevators. The area's vast farmlands create steady work. The average salary for this position is around $42,625.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Midland, TX


  4. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $41,824
    Omaha is a major hub for grain transportation. Companies such as Bunge and Louis Dreyfus offer many jobs. The average salary here is about $41,824.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  5. Wichita, KS
    Average Salary: $38,835
    Wichita has a strong agricultural sector. This city offers many opportunities for those in this field. The average salary for this job is around $38,835.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Wichita, KS


  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $38,793
    San Diego has a growing need for grain handling. The port here is a major entry point for grain. The average salary for this role is about $38,793.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $38,559
    Phoenix offers a warm climate and steady work in grain handling. Companies like Archer Daniels Midland are present. The average salary for this job is around $38,559.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  8. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $36,626
    Greeley is a key location for grain elevators. The area's farms provide plenty of work. The average salary for this position is about $36,626.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Greeley, CO


  9. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $35,296
    Las Vegas has a growing demand for grain handling. The city's logistics sector offers many opportunities. The average salary for this job is around $35,296.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Las Vegas, NV

What are the best companies a Grain Elevator Operator can work for?

Bartlett Grain offers the highest average salary for Grain Elevator Operators at $43,438. CGB Enterprises follows closely, with an average salary of $40,116. These companies provide competitive compensation and benefits, making them attractive options for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Bartlett Grain with the highest at $43,438 and Pride Ag Resources with the lowest at $30,000.
  1. Bartlett Grain
    Average Salary: $43,438
    Bartlett Grain operates multiple grain elevators across the Midwest. They offer competitive salaries and benefits. Locations include Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.


  2. CGB Enterprises
    Average Salary: $40,116
    CGB Enterprises runs grain elevators in Nebraska and Kansas. They focus on providing a safe working environment and good pay. Employees enjoy various benefits.


  3. The DeLong Co., Inc.
    Average Salary: $39,835
    The DeLong Co., Inc. has grain elevators in North Dakota and Minnesota. They offer a supportive work culture and competitive wages. Employees benefit from various perks.


  4. Service Corporation International
    Average Salary: $38,259
    Service Corporation International operates grain elevators in Texas and Oklahoma. They provide a stable work environment with good pay. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits.


  5. Viterra
    Average Salary: $37,393
    Viterra has grain elevators in Canada and the United States. They offer competitive salaries and a strong benefits package. Locations include Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.


  6. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $36,779
    Smithfield Foods operates grain elevators in North Carolina and Virginia. They provide a good salary and benefits. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment.


  7. Alliance Ag & Grain LLC
    Average Salary: $33,000
    Alliance Ag & Grain LLC has grain elevators in South Dakota and Nebraska. They offer a fair salary and benefits. Employees benefit from a family-friendly work environment.


  8. Farmer's Cooperative Elevator Company
    Average Salary: $32,603
    Farmer's Cooperative Elevator Company operates grain elevators in Kansas and Missouri. They provide a good salary and benefits. Employees enjoy a supportive work culture.


  9. Pride Ag Resources
    Average Salary: $30,000
    Pride Ag Resources has grain elevators in Montana and Wyoming. They offer a fair salary and benefits. Employees benefit from a family-friendly work environment.

How to earn more as a Grain Elevator Operator?

A Grain Elevator Operator can increase their earnings through various strategies. Gaining experience in the field is a key factor. As operators become more skilled, they can handle more complex tasks and take on more responsibilities. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Another important factor is obtaining certifications. Certifications in areas such as safety, equipment operation, and grain handling can make an operator more valuable to employers. Continuing education and training can also open up higher-paying positions.

Networking with other professionals in the industry can also lead to higher earnings. Building relationships with colleagues and attending industry events can provide opportunities for career advancement. Seeking out positions with companies that offer competitive salaries and benefits is another way to increase earnings. Researching different companies and their pay scales can help operators make informed decisions. Finally, taking on additional roles or responsibilities can lead to higher pay. Operators who are willing to go above and beyond in their job can often earn more.

Here are some factors to consider for increasing earnings as a Grain Elevator Operator:

  1. Gain experience and take on more responsibilities.
  2. Obtain certifications in safety, equipment operation, and grain handling.
  3. Network with other professionals in the industry.
  4. Seek out positions with competitive salaries and benefits.
  5. Take on additional roles or responsibilities.

Currently 102 Grain Elevator Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Grain Elevator Operator in the US?

Learn what a Grain Elevator Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Grain Elevator Operator today.
Position
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Grain Elevator Operator
102 Job Openings