Position
Salary

How much does a Terminal Operator make?

The average salary for a Terminal Operator is $50,680 per year in the US.

Terminal Operators manage freight and cargo in ports, shipping yards, and warehouses. They work to ensure that goods arrive safely and on time. The average yearly salary for this job is around $50,680. This is a good salary for those who enjoy working outdoors and handling physical tasks.

Some Terminal Operators make less while others make more. Here are some details:

  • The lowest 10 percent earn less than $34,800.
  • The highest 10 percent earn more than $82,250.
Most Terminal Operators fall in the middle, earning between $43,427 and $69,309. This range shows that experience and skill can lead to higher pay. Good Terminal Operators often work their way up to higher paying positions.

View Terminal Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Terminal Operator?

Portland, OR, stands out as the top city for Terminal Operator jobs, offering an average salary of $62,761. This makes it a prime location for those seeking higher pay in this field. Chicago, IL, follows closely, with an average salary of $59,055, providing another excellent option for job seekers. Nashville, TN, and Providence, RI, both offer competitive average salaries above $55,000, making them attractive choices for Terminal Operator roles. Other cities such as Las Vegas, NV, and Savannah, GA, also present good opportunities with salaries around $52,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Terminal Operator jobs, highlighting Portland, OR with the highest at $62,761 and Cincinnati, OH with the lowest at $46,092.
  1. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $62,761
    In Portland, you can find opportunities in a bustling port. Major employers include SSA Marine and Portland Harbor. Workers manage cargo and ensure smooth operations.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Portland, OR


  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $59,055
    Chicago offers a dynamic job market for operators. Companies like McLane Company and C&S Wholesale Grocers need skilled hands. Experience a mix of urban energy and job stability here.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $55,362
    Nashville's port jobs focus on logistics and transport. Firms like FedEx and UPS look for efficient operators. Enjoy the city's lively culture while working in a key transport hub.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Nashville, TN


  4. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $52,741
    Providence's port supports many small to medium-sized businesses. Key employers include Crowley and Port of Providence. Be part of a close-knit community with rewarding job prospects.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Providence, RI


  5. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $52,334
    Las Vegas offers exciting job opportunities in a vibrant city. Companies like Las Vegas Port of Entry need reliable operators. Experience non-stop action and growth in a thriving port.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  6. Savannah, GA
    Average Salary: $48,218
    Savannah boasts a busy port with many large companies. Employers like Garden City Terminal and Hamburg America Line need experienced operators. Enjoy a historic city with modern job opportunities.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Savannah, GA


  7. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $47,654
    Tampa's port is a hub for cargo and logistics. Major firms include Port Tampa Bay and Crowley Maritime. Work in a sunny city with diverse career options.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Tampa, FL


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $47,012
    Houston's port is one of the busiest in the nation. Companies like Houston Port Authority need skilled operators. Experience growth and stability in a key energy hub.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Houston, TX


  9. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $46,802
    St. Louis offers a mix of industrial and river-based port jobs. Employers like Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis need reliable operators. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with strong job opportunities.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in St. Louis, MO


  10. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $46,092
    Cincinnati's riverfront offers many logistics jobs. Companies like Fifth Third Bank and Kroger look for skilled operators. Experience a mix of industrial work and urban living.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Cincinnati, OH

What are the best companies a Terminal Operator can work for?

Marathon Petroleum stands out as one of the best paying companies for Terminal Operator jobs, offering an average salary of $80,362. This is a great opportunity for those seeking competitive compensation. Additionally, Kinder Morgan and Energy Transfer also provide strong salaries, making them solid choices for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Terminal Operator jobs, highlighting Marathon Petroleum with the highest at $80,362 and AmeriGas with the lowest at $47,448.
  1. Marathon Petroleum
    Average Salary: $80,362
    Marathon Petroleum offers Terminal Operator jobs with good benefits and strong growth potential. They operate terminals in many locations across the United States. Their operations focus on efficiently handling petroleum products.


  2. Kinder Morgan
    Average Salary: $66,930
    Kinder Morgan provides rewarding Terminal Operator roles. They have terminals in key areas such as Houston, Texas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company emphasizes safety and efficiency in its operations.


  3. Energy Transfer
    Average Salary: $63,218
    Energy Transfer pays competitive wages for Terminal Operator jobs. They have terminals in several states, including Louisiana and Pennsylvania. The company is known for its commitment to innovation and customer service.


  4. Sprague Energy
    Average Salary: $60,008
    Sprague Energy offers Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on teamwork and operational excellence. They operate terminals in locations such as Houston, Texas. Their operations are centered around providing reliable energy solutions.


  5. TransMontaigne
    Average Salary: $58,409
    TransMontaigne provides Terminal Operator jobs with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency. They have terminals in states like Louisiana and New Jersey. Their operations are aimed at delivering high-quality service to their clients.


  6. Superior Plus Propane
    Average Salary: $51,514
    Superior Plus Propane offers Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on delivering excellent customer service. They have locations across several states, including Texas and Ohio. Their operations are dedicated to providing safe and reliable propane services.


  7. ST MARYS CEMENT
    Average Salary: $51,125
    ST MARYS CEMENT offers Terminal Operator jobs with good benefits and a focus on operational excellence. They have terminals in locations such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. Their operations are aimed at providing high-quality cement products.


  8. Rail Management Services
    Average Salary: $48,267
    Rail Management Services provides Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on efficiency and safety. They have terminals in several states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania. Their operations are dedicated to managing rail logistics effectively.


  9. CEMEX
    Average Salary: $47,763
    CEMEX offers Terminal Operator jobs with a commitment to safety and innovation. They have terminals in states such as California and Texas. Their operations are focused on delivering high-quality building materials.


  10. AmeriGas
    Average Salary: $47,448
    AmeriGas provides Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on customer service and safety. They have terminals in several states, including Pennsylvania and Ohio. Their operations are dedicated to delivering propane products efficiently.

How to earn more as a Terminal Operator?

To increase earnings as a Terminal Operator, consider focusing on key areas that enhance performance and productivity. Mastery of the equipment and processes involved in terminal operations can lead to more efficient work and potentially higher pay. Training and certifications can open up higher-paying positions. Networking with peers and industry professionals can lead to job opportunities that offer better compensation. Experience in handling different types of cargo and operations can also make an operator more valuable to employers.

Another way to earn more is by taking on roles with more responsibilities. Operators who demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills can move into supervisory or managerial positions. These roles usually come with higher salaries. Staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies can also make a Terminal Operator more efficient and effective. Employers value operators who can adapt and work with new systems. Finally, consider working in areas with a high demand for terminal operators. Locations with busy ports or major shipping hubs often offer higher wages to attract skilled workers.

Here are some factors to consider for increasing earnings:

  1. Get specialized training and certifications.
  2. Network with industry professionals.
  3. Gain experience with various cargo types and operations.
  4. Take on roles with more responsibilities.
  5. Stay updated with industry trends and technologies.

Currently 133 Terminal Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Terminal Operator in the US?

Learn what a Terminal Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Terminal Operator today.
Position
Overview
Terminal Operator
133 Job Openings