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

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Get specialized training and certifications.
- Network with industry professionals.
- Gain experience with various cargo types and operations.
- Take on roles with more responsibilities.
- Stay updated with industry trends and technologies.



