How much does a Scale Operator make?
Scale Operators play a vital role in many industries, ensuring that weighing and measuring are done correctly. They work in places like manufacturing, food processing, and shipping. These professionals earn a steady income. The average yearly salary for a Scale Operator is $40,002. This means they make a good living.
Salary for Scale Operators can vary based on experience and location. Most Scale Operators fall into the middle of the pay range. For example, about 31.24% of them earn between $33,961 and $38,922 per year. This shows that with some experience, Scale Operators can expect to see good increases in their pay. Higher salaries come with more experience and skills. The top 10% earn over $63,726 each year. This shows the potential for growth in this career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Scale Operator?

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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $79,022
In Omaha, working as a Scale Operator often involves managing weight checks for trucks at various logistics hubs. Companies like Union Pacific and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) offer good opportunities. The city's growing industries provide a dynamic work environment.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $72,674
Riverside offers Scale Operator positions that involve precise measurements for freight companies. Notable employers include Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) and DHL Express. The job combines routine tasks with the chance to work with advanced technology.
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Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $59,951
Lincoln is home to a few key companies like Union Pacific and Ace Hardware. As a Scale Operator, you will ensure accurate weight measurements for shipments. The city provides a supportive environment with a mix of industry and agriculture.
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Jacksonville, FL
Average Salary: $45,221
In Jacksonville, Scale Operators play a crucial role in port logistics. Major employers like Port of Jacksonville and CSX Transportation depend on them. The job involves checking vehicle weights to ensure compliance with safety standards.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $39,824
Philadelphia offers Scale Operator roles that involve precise weight checks for various transport companies. Major firms like UPS and Maersk offer dynamic work experiences. The city’s rich industrial history provides a solid backdrop for this career.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $37,587
Buffalo provides Scale Operator jobs with companies like Wegmans and New York State Thruway Authority. The role involves ensuring trucks are weighed correctly. The city’s industrial focus makes it a good place for those in this field.
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Fort Wayne, IN
Average Salary: $37,454
In Fort Wayne, Scale Operators work for companies like Northrop Grumman and Toyota. The job entails checking vehicle weights to ensure safe and accurate shipping. The city’s growing economy offers many opportunities.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $36,717
Chicago is home to large transport companies like Yellow Corporation and Swift Transportation. Scale Operators here check weights to ensure compliance with regulations. The city’s bustling logistics scene offers a dynamic work environment.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $36,238
Atlanta offers Scale Operator jobs with major companies such as UPS and Delta Air Lines. These roles involve checking weights for cargo and freight. The city’s central location makes it a key hub for logistics.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $35,958
In Rochester, Scale Operators work for companies like Wegmans and Highstar Capital. The job involves ensuring vehicle weights meet safety standards. The city’s diverse industries provide a steady stream of job opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Scale Operator can work for?

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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $90,945
CommonSpirit Health offers Scale Operator jobs with competitive pay. Positions are available in various locations across the United States. Workers monitor and control the flow of materials onto scales to ensure accurate weighing.
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Burrtec Waste Industries
Average Salary: $46,081
Burrtec Waste Industries provides Scale Operator roles with a good salary. These jobs are found in multiple locations across the United States. Employees handle weighing operations and assist in recycling processes.
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Athens Services
Average Salary: $45,743
Athens Services offers Scale Operator jobs with a solid salary. Locations include many cities in the United States. Workers ensure the proper measurement of materials using scales.
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DTG Recycle
Average Salary: $45,667
DTG Recycle offers Scale Operator positions with a decent pay rate. Positions are available in numerous locations across the United States. Employees monitor and record weights of materials using scales.
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Heidelberg Materials
Average Salary: $44,365
Heidelberg Materials offers Scale Operator jobs with a fair salary. Jobs are available in various locations across the United States. Workers use scales to measure materials accurately for production.
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Asgard
Average Salary: $43,077
Asgard offers Scale Operator positions with a good salary. Locations include multiple sites across the United States. Employees weigh materials to ensure quality control.
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Pike Industries
Average Salary: $42,895
Pike Industries offers Scale Operator jobs with a fair salary. Jobs are available in many locations across the United States. Workers handle weighing operations to support manufacturing processes.
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Recology
Average Salary: $41,979
Recology offers Scale Operator roles with a decent salary. Locations include many cities in the United States. Employees measure materials to support recycling efforts.
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Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Average Salary: $41,043
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. offers Scale Operator jobs with a fair salary. Jobs are available in various locations across the United States. Workers handle weighing operations to support waste management processes.
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The DeLong Co., Inc.
Average Salary: $40,692
The DeLong Co., Inc. offers Scale Operator roles with a fair salary. Locations include many sites across the United States. Employees use scales to measure materials accurately.
How to earn more as a Scale Operator?
Increasing your earning potential as a Scale Operator involves a combination of skills, experience, and dedication. Employers value certain traits and qualifications that can lead to higher wages. One key factor is gaining specialized training in specific types of scales or machinery. This expertise makes the operator more valuable and capable of handling complex tasks.
Another important factor is achieving certifications that demonstrate a high level of proficiency. Certifications from recognized bodies can open doors to higher-paying job opportunities. Additionally, experience plays a critical role. The more time an operator spends on the job, the better they become at their tasks, which often translates to a higher salary. Building a strong work ethic and maintaining a positive attitude also helps. Reliability and a willingness to learn new skills make an operator a desirable candidate for promotions and raises. Networking with peers and staying updated on industry trends can also lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
Here are the top five factors to consider:
- Specialized training
- Professional certifications
- Years of experience
- Work ethic and attitude
- Industry networking



