Overview Salaries

Grain Elevator Operator Salaries

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Grain Elevator Operator make?

The average salary for a Grain Elevator Operator is $40,780 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Grain Elevator Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,780 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Grain Elevator Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,780 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Grain Elevator Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,780 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Grain Elevator Operator positions, showing an average salary of $40,780 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Grain elevator operators play a key role in the agriculture industry. They oversee the storage and processing of grains. On average, grain elevator operators earn about $40,780 per year. This amount can vary based on experience, location, and employer.

Here is a look at the salary distribution for this job:

  • The bottom 10% earn less than $30,000.
  • The next 10% earn between $30,000 and $33,789.
  • The next 20% earn between $33,789 and $37,578.
  • The middle 20% earn between $37,578 and $41,367.
  • The next 10% earn between $41,367 and $45,156.
  • The next 10% earn between $45,156 and $48,945.
  • The top 5% earn between $52,735 and $64,102.

View Grain Elevator Operator jobs nearby
View all Grain Elevator Operator jobs

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

Grain Elevator Operators have the best pay in Kansas City, MO, where they earn up to $49,182 a year on average. Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, follow closely, with average salaries over $45,000. Other cities, like Spokane, WA, and Greeley, CO, offer still competitive salaries. Pursuing a Grain Elevator Operator job in these cities can offer financial rewards and career growth. Midland, TX, and Omaha, NE, offer solid salaries with good living costs. Phoenix, AZ, Wichita, KS, and San Diego, CA, provide balanced salaries and living expenses. Each of these cities provides excellent opportunities for those in the industry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Kansas City, MO with the highest at $49,182 and Greeley, CO with the lowest at $36,456.

  1. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $49,182
    In Kansas City, this role involves overseeing grain storage and distribution. Companies like Bunge Limited provide opportunities in this booming agricultural hub.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Kansas City, MO


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $46,000
    Seattle offers a chance to work in a high-tech grain elevator. The city's focus on innovation creates a dynamic environment for operations.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,647
    San Jose's grain elevators play a key role in the local economy. Working here means handling large volumes of grain with precision and care.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $43,364
    Midland has a strong agricultural sector. Here, one can manage daily operations and ensure grain quality and safety.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Midland, TX


  5. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $41,667
    Omaha is a central location for grain transport. Employees coordinate shipments and manage inventory in this bustling market.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  6. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $40,883
    In Phoenix, this job involves working in a dry climate. Employees handle grains efficiently, ensuring smooth operations in this desert environment.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  7. Wichita, KS
    Average Salary: $40,204
    Wichita's grain elevators are key to the local agriculture scene. Workers here manage the grain flow from farms to markets.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Wichita, KS


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $39,850
    San Diego offers a mix of coastal and agricultural work. Employees ensure grains are processed and shipped accurately.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $37,906
    Spokane's grain elevators play a vital role in the region's farming industry. Workers here are responsible for grain handling and distribution.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Spokane, WA


  10. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $36,456
    Greeley has a thriving agricultural community. This position requires managing grain flow and ensuring efficient operations.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Greeley, CO

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

Bartlett Grain stands out as a top employer for Grain Elevator Operators, offering an average salary of $44,051. Their commitment to worker safety and fair wages makes them a strong choice. The DeLong Co., Inc. also provides competitive pay at $40,344, emphasizing quality and employee care. CGB Enterprises and Service Corporation International follow closely, each offering robust compensation packages to attract skilled operators. These companies value their workforce, ensuring they are well-compensated for their vital role. Smithfield Foods and Alliance Ag & Grain LLC, while slightly lower in average salary, still provide good financial benefits and career growth opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Bartlett Grain with the highest at $44,051 and Alliance Ag & Grain LLC with the lowest at $33,000.

  1. Bartlett Grain
    Average Salary: $44,051
    Bartlett Grain is a top employer for Grain Elevator Operators. They manage elevators across several locations in the Midwest. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment and opportunities for advancement.


  2. The DeLong Co., Inc.
    Average Salary: $40,344
    The DeLong Co., Inc. offers competitive salaries for Grain Elevator Operators. This company operates elevators in key agricultural regions. They focus on safety and professional development.


  3. CGB Enterprises
    Average Salary: $39,486
    CGB Enterprises provides Grain Elevator Operator jobs with good compensation. They have facilities in various states. Workers benefit from a positive company culture and ongoing training programs.


  4. Service Corporation International
    Average Salary: $39,076
    Service Corporation International offers Grain Elevator Operator positions with a solid salary. They have locations in several key agricultural areas. The company values its employees and offers a family-oriented atmosphere.


  5. ROAD & RAIL SERVICES
    Average Salary: $39,043
    ROAD & RAIL SERVICES is known for paying well for Grain Elevator Operators. They manage elevators in diverse locations. This company emphasizes teamwork and safety in its operations.


  6. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $37,426
    Smithfield Foods provides Grain Elevator Operator jobs with a good salary. They operate in various agricultural regions. The company focuses on employee growth and satisfaction.


  7. Alliance Ag & Grain LLC
    Average Salary: $33,000
    Alliance Ag & Grain LLC offers Grain Elevator Operator positions with a decent salary. They have locations in key farming areas. This company values its employees and provides a stable work environment.

How to earn more as a Grain Elevator Operator?

A Grain Elevator Operator can improve their earnings through several strategic steps. Starting with gaining relevant experience, operators who work in diverse environments and handle various types of grains gain valuable skills. These experiences make them more versatile and can lead to higher pay. Another factor is obtaining additional certifications. These certifications can include safety training or specialized equipment operation. Employers often reward certified workers with higher wages.

Operators can also increase earnings by working in locations with higher demand for grain handling. Regions with large agricultural outputs might offer better pay. Accepting overtime shifts or working during peak harvest seasons can boost income. Lastly, seeking promotions within a company often leads to higher salaries. Operators who demonstrate reliability and expertise might advance to supervisory roles, which typically come with higher pay.

Below are five factors that can help a Grain Elevator Operator earn more:

  1. Gain diverse experience in different environments and with various grains.
  2. Obtain additional certifications in safety and equipment operation.
  3. Work in areas with high demand for grain handling.
  4. Accept overtime shifts and work during peak harvest seasons.
  5. Seek promotions within the company to advance to supervisory roles.

Currently 83 Grain Elevator Operator job openings, nationwide.

View Grain Elevator Operator Jobs

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
Overview
Grain Elevator Operator
83 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire