How much does a Grain Elevator Operator make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Grain Elevator Operator?

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

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Bartlett Grain
Average Salary: $43,850
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- Gain Experience: Staying with one company can lead to higher pay over time.
- Upgrade Skills: Handling new equipment and technology increases value.
- Pursue Certifications: Certifications like CGP can increase earning potential.
- Explore Advanced Roles: Supervisory positions often lead to higher salaries.
- Consider Additional Training: Training in safety management or logistics can open up higher-paying opportunities.



