How much does a Grain Elevator Operator make?
Grain elevator operators play a key role in the agriculture industry. They manage and oversee the operations of grain elevators. These professionals ensure that grains are stored and processed correctly. The average yearly salary for a grain elevator operator is around $40,086. This salary can vary based on experience and location.
The salary range for grain elevator operators can be quite broad. Some operators earn as little as $30,000 per year. Others can make up to $60,000 or more. Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution:
- 7.08% earn $30,000
- 9.62% earn $32,727
- 20.24% earn $35,455
- 22.12% earn $38,182
- 16.37% earn $40,909
- 9.40% earn $43,636
- 2.88% earn $46,364
- 2.99% earn $49,091
- 2.76% earn $51,818
- 0.55% earn $54,545
- 1.00% earn $57,273
- Some earn up to $60,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Grain Elevator Operator?

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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $49,333
In Kansas City, working at a grain elevator offers a chance to be part of a key agricultural hub. Companies like ADM and Bunge provide opportunities to manage grain storage and processing. The role involves ensuring smooth operations and safety.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $44,686
San Jose's grain elevator jobs focus on precision and efficiency. Working with firms like Cargill, employees handle grain storage and distribution. The role requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
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Midland, TX
Average Salary: $43,714
Midland offers a dynamic environment for grain elevator workers. Companies such as Gavilon are prominent here. Employees manage grain flow and ensure quality. The job involves both hands-on and technical tasks.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $41,750
Omaha's grain elevator positions are vital to the local economy. Working with firms like Louis Dreyfus Company, employees oversee grain handling and logistics. The role is key to ensuring efficient supply chains.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $39,576
In Wichita, grain elevator jobs are essential for the agricultural sector. Companies like Koch Industries offer roles that involve managing grain storage. Workers ensure the smooth operation of elevators and maintain safety standards.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $38,994
San Diego's grain elevator roles focus on precision and efficiency. Working with firms like Viterra, employees handle grain storage and distribution. The job requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $38,744
Phoenix offers a vibrant environment for grain elevator workers. Companies like Conagra Brands provide opportunities to manage grain storage and processing. The role involves ensuring smooth operations and safety.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $38,321
Spokane's grain elevator jobs focus on precision and efficiency. Working with firms like CHS, employees handle grain storage and distribution. The role requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
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Greeley, CO
Average Salary: $36,751
Greeley offers a dynamic environment for grain elevator workers. Companies such as Archer Daniels Midland provide roles that manage grain flow. Workers ensure the smooth operation of elevators and maintain safety standards.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $35,568
Las Vegas's grain elevator positions are vital to the local economy. Working with firms like Bunge, employees oversee grain handling and logistics. The role is key to ensuring efficient supply chains.
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What are the best companies a Grain Elevator Operator can work for?

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Bartlett Grain
Average Salary: $43,207
Bartlett Grain offers rewarding Grain Elevator Operator jobs. They operate in the Midwest, including states like Illinois and Iowa. Bartlett Grain values teamwork and offers competitive salaries.
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The DeLong Co., Inc.
Average Salary: $41,333
The DeLong Co., Inc. provides Grain Elevator Operator positions with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. They operate in the Midwest, including locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The company offers a supportive work environment.
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CGB Enterprises
Average Salary: $39,474
CGB Enterprises offers Grain Elevator Operator jobs with a focus on innovation. They operate in the Midwest, including locations in Nebraska and Kansas. The company values employee development and offers a competitive salary.
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Service Corporation International
Average Salary: $38,635
Service Corporation International offers Grain Elevator Operator jobs with a focus on community service. They operate in the Midwest, including locations in South Dakota and North Dakota. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive work environment.
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ROAD & RAIL SERVICES
Average Salary: $38,182
ROAD & RAIL SERVICES offers Grain Elevator Operator jobs with a focus on logistics. They operate in the Midwest, including locations in Indiana and Ohio. The company values efficiency and offers a competitive salary.
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Smithfield Foods
Average Salary: $37,077
Smithfield Foods offers Grain Elevator Operator jobs with a focus on quality. They operate in the Midwest, including locations in Missouri and Arkansas. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive work environment.
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Farmer's Cooperative Elevator Company
Average Salary: $32,635
Farmer's Cooperative Elevator Company offers Grain Elevator Operator jobs with a focus on cooperation. They operate in the Midwest, including locations in Iowa and Nebraska. The company values community and offers a supportive work environment.
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Pride Ag Resources
Average Salary: $30,000
Pride Ag Resources offers Grain Elevator Operator jobs with a focus on agriculture. They operate in the Midwest, including locations in Kansas and Missouri. The company values efficiency and offers a supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Grain Elevator Operator?
A Grain Elevator Operator can increase their earnings through various strategies. Gaining experience and expertise in the field can lead to higher-paying positions. Operators who master advanced machinery and safety protocols often find themselves in higher demand. Continuing education and certifications can also open doors to better-paying roles. Networking with industry professionals can lead to opportunities that offer higher salaries.
Additionally, operators who take on supervisory roles or specialize in certain areas of grain handling can earn more. Those who work in larger facilities or in regions with higher demand for grain may also see higher wages. Seeking out roles in companies that offer performance-based bonuses can further boost earnings. Finally, operators who demonstrate strong leadership and management skills may find themselves in positions that offer higher compensation packages.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Grain Elevator Operator:
- Experience and Expertise: Gaining more experience and becoming an expert in grain handling can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Certifications and Education: Continuing education and obtaining relevant certifications can increase earning potential.
- Specialization: Specializing in certain areas of grain handling can make an operator more valuable.
- Location and Facility Size: Working in larger facilities or in regions with higher demand for grain can lead to higher wages.
- Leadership Roles: Taking on supervisory roles or demonstrating strong leadership skills can result in higher compensation.



