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How much does a Grain Elevator Operator make?

The average salary for a Grain Elevator Operator is $40,086 per year in the US.

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

View Grain Elevator Operator jobs nearby

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

Grain Elevator Operators can find some of the best pay in Kansas City, MO, where the average salary reaches $49,333. This city offers a strong market for these professionals due to its central location and significant agricultural activity. San Jose, CA, and Midland, TX, also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those seeking higher earnings in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Kansas City, MO with the highest at $49,333 and Las Vegas, NV with the lowest at $35,568.
  1. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Kansas City, MO


  2. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Midland, TX


  4. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  5. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Wichita, KS


  6. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  8. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Spokane, WA


  9. 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.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Greeley, CO


  10. 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.
    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 $43,207. The DeLong Co., Inc. follows closely with an average salary of $41,333. CGB Enterprises provides a competitive salary of $39,474, making it another attractive option for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Grain Elevator Operator jobs, highlighting Bartlett Grain with the highest at $43,207 and Pride Ag Resources with the lowest at $30,000.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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:

  1. Experience and Expertise: Gaining more experience and becoming an expert in grain handling can lead to higher-paying positions.
  2. Certifications and Education: Continuing education and obtaining relevant certifications can increase earning potential.
  3. Specialization: Specializing in certain areas of grain handling can make an operator more valuable.
  4. Location and Facility Size: Working in larger facilities or in regions with higher demand for grain can lead to higher wages.
  5. Leadership Roles: Taking on supervisory roles or demonstrating strong leadership skills can result in higher compensation.

Currently 87 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.
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Grain Elevator Operator
87 Job Openings