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How much does a Grain Elevator Operator make?

The average salary for a Grain Elevator Operator is $40,447 per year in the US.

Working as a grain elevator operator can be a rewarding career with a solid salary. The average yearly salary for someone in this role is around $40,447. This is a good starting point for those considering this job.

Grain elevator operators can expect to earn salaries that vary based on experience and location. The numbers show that the more experience you have, the higher your pay tends to be. For example, the lowest-earning 10% of grain elevator operators make around $30,000 a year, while the top-earning 10% make close to $61,000 annually. Most operators fall somewhere in between, earning between $38,404 and $44,007 per year. This range highlights the potential for growth and better pay as you gain more experience.

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

Grain Elevator Operators can find some of the best-paying opportunities in Kansas City, MO, with an average salary of $49,286. This city offers a vibrant job market in the agricultural sector. Similarly, San Jose, CA, also provides a competitive average salary of $45,531 for these professionals. Midland, TX, follows closely with an average salary of $43,917, making it another attractive location for Grain Elevator Operators. These cities provide not only attractive salaries but also promising career growth in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Kansas City, MO with the highest at $49,286 and Las Vegas, NV with the lowest at $35,708.
  1. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $49,286
    Kansas City offers a bustling environment for those in the grain industry. It's a key hub for wheat and corn. Companies like ADM and Bunge operate large facilities, providing many job opportunities.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Kansas City, MO


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,531
    San Jose has a growing agriculture sector. The city's tech-savvy workforce aligns well with the grain industry's modern machinery. Local firms like Cargill seek skilled operators.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $43,917
    Midland is a central location for grain storage in Texas. The city’s grain elevators handle large volumes of wheat and other grains. Companies like Pioneer Natural Resources play a key role here.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Midland, TX


  4. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $41,750
    Omaha is a vital part of the Midwest's grain trade. The city's strategic location along the Missouri River supports significant grain movement. Firms like Conagra Brands offer steady employment.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  5. Wichita, KS
    Average Salary: $39,989
    Wichita is known for its robust agricultural sector. The city boasts many large grain elevators. Companies such as Cargill and ADM provide many job openings in this field.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Wichita, KS


  6. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $39,847
    Phoenix offers a dry climate ideal for grain storage. The city’s growing economy provides various opportunities. Local firms like Grain Valley seek qualified workers.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $39,482
    San Diego has a diverse economy with a growing emphasis on agriculture. The city’s mild climate helps with grain storage. Companies such as Archer Daniels Midland offer many positions.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $38,100
    Spokane’s location makes it a key player in the northwest’s grain trade. The city’s grain elevators are well-maintained. Companies like CHS Inc. provide many job opportunities.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Spokane, WA


  9. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $36,595
    Greeley is a major hub for grain storage in Colorado. The city’s large grain elevators need skilled workers. Firms such as ADM offer stable employment.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Greeley, CO


  10. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $35,708
    Las Vegas's grain industry thrives in the desert climate. The city’s growing economy offers various job prospects. Companies like Bunge Limited provide many opportunities.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Las Vegas, NV

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

Bartlett Grain leads the way as the top-paying employer for Grain Elevator Operators, offering an average salary of $43,850. The DeLong Co., Inc. and CGB Enterprises follow closely, providing competitive wages around $40,811 and $39,417, respectively. Job seekers interested in this field can find attractive opportunities with these leading companies.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Bartlett Grain with the highest at $43,850 and Farmer's Cooperative Elevator Company with the lowest at $32,598.
  1. Bartlett Grain
    Average Salary: $43,850
    Bartlett Grain offers competitive pay for Grain Elevator Operators. These professionals oversee the loading, unloading, and storage of grain. Bartlett Grain has facilities across several states, including Minnesota and Illinois.


  2. The DeLong Co., Inc.
    Average Salary: $40,811
    The DeLong Co., Inc. provides a solid salary for Grain Elevator Operators. These operators ensure that grain is handled and stored safely. The company operates in multiple locations, including Iowa and Kansas.


  3. CGB Enterprises
    Average Salary: $39,417
    CGB Enterprises values its Grain Elevator Operators. They handle large-scale grain operations and offer opportunities in various locations, such as Nebraska and Missouri.


  4. Service Corporation International
    Average Salary: $38,910
    Service Corporation International provides Grain Elevator Operators with a reliable salary. These operators manage grain storage facilities, located in regions including Texas and California.


  5. ROAD & RAIL SERVICES
    Average Salary: $38,900
    ROAD & RAIL SERVICES offers Grain Elevator Operators an average salary. They manage the transportation and storage of grain. The company operates in states like Ohio and Indiana.


  6. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $37,044
    Smithfield Foods pays a fair salary to Grain Elevator Operators. They work in facilities that store and process grain. The company has locations in Virginia and North Carolina.


  7. Alliance Ag & Grain LLC
    Average Salary: $33,000
    Alliance Ag & Grain LLC offers Grain Elevator Operators a steady income. They are responsible for the handling and storage of grain. The company operates in several states, including South Dakota and Kansas.


  8. Farmer's Cooperative Elevator Company
    Average Salary: $32,598
    Farmer's Cooperative Elevator Company provides Grain Elevator Operators with a stable salary. These professionals manage grain storage and processing. The company has locations across the Midwest, including Minnesota and Wisconsin.

How to earn more as a Grain Elevator Operator?

Becoming a Grain Elevator Operator offers many opportunities for growth and increased earnings. With dedication and the right strategies, it's possible to advance in this career and earn more. Key factors include gaining experience, upgrading skills, pursuing certifications, exploring advanced roles, and considering additional training.

First, gaining experience is crucial. Operators who stay with one company or location over time often see their pay rise. Experience allows them to handle more complex tasks and machinery, leading to higher pay. Second, upgrading skills helps in handling new equipment and technologies, making an operator more valuable. Third, pursuing certifications like the Certified Grain Professional (CGP) can increase earning potential. Fourth, exploring advanced roles such as supervisory positions can lead to higher salaries. Finally, considering additional training in related areas such as safety management or logistics can open up higher-paying opportunities.

Investing in these areas shows commitment to professional growth, which employers often reward with better pay. By focusing on these factors, Grain Elevator Operators can work towards increasing their income.

  1. Gain Experience: Staying with one company can lead to higher pay over time.
  2. Upgrade Skills: Handling new equipment and technology increases value.
  3. Pursue Certifications: Certifications like CGP can increase earning potential.
  4. Explore Advanced Roles: Supervisory positions often lead to higher salaries.
  5. Consider Additional Training: Training in safety management or logistics can open up higher-paying opportunities.

Currently 127 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
127 Job Openings