How much does a Terminal Operator make?
A Terminal Operator plays a key role in the logistics and transportation industry. This job involves handling and moving goods in ports and shipping terminals. The average yearly salary for a Terminal Operator is around $50,013. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific company you work for.
Here are some salary ranges based on experience levels:
- Entry-level: $32,000 to $36,455
- Early career: $36,455 to $40,909
- Mid-career: $40,909 to $45,364
- Experienced: $45,364 to $49,818
- Late career: $49,818 to $54,273
- High experience: $54,273 to $58,727
- Expert: $58,727 to $63,182
- Senior: $63,182 to $67,636
- Director: $67,636 to $72,091
- Executive: $72,091 to $76,545
- Top executive: $76,545 to $81,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Terminal Operator?

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      Corpus Christi, TX 
 Average Salary: $62,538
 In Corpus Christi, working as a Terminal Operator offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to handle various cargo. Major companies like Port of Corpus Christi provide a stable career path. The city's growing port industry ensures a steady demand for skilled operators.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Corpus Christi, TX
 
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      Portland, OR 
 Average Salary: $61,121
 Portland's Terminal Operators enjoy a bustling port with diverse cargo. Companies like SSA Marine and Zim Integrated Shipping Services offer excellent career growth. The city's commitment to sustainability adds to the appeal of this role.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Portland, OR
 
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      Chicago, IL 
 Average Salary: $57,779
 Chicago's port is a major hub for cargo handling. Working here as a Terminal Operator means being part of a vibrant industry. Companies like Port of Chicago and Matson Navigation Company provide strong career opportunities.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL
 
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      Stockton, CA 
 Average Salary: $54,641
 Stockton's port offers a dynamic environment for Terminal Operators. The city's strategic location makes it a key player in cargo handling. Companies like Port of Stockton provide a stable and rewarding career.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Stockton, CA
 
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      Las Vegas, NV 
 Average Salary: $52,317
 Las Vegas's port is a growing industry with many opportunities for Terminal Operators. The city's vibrant economy and major companies like Port of Las Vegas offer a promising career path.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Las Vegas, NV
 
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      Providence, RI 
 Average Salary: $51,597
 Providence's port industry offers a dynamic role for Terminal Operators. The city's rich maritime history and companies like Port of Providence provide a stable career. Working here means being part of a vibrant community.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Providence, RI
 
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      Nashville, TN 
 Average Salary: $51,362
 Nashville's port offers a unique opportunity for Terminal Operators. The city's growing industry and companies like Port of Nashville provide a promising career path. Working here means being part of a dynamic and growing sector.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Nashville, TN
 
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      Baltimore, MD 
 Average Salary: $49,088
 Baltimore's port is a key player in cargo handling. Working as a Terminal Operator here offers a stable career with major companies like Port of Baltimore. The city's rich maritime history adds to the appeal.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Baltimore, MD
 
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      Richmond, VA 
 Average Salary: $48,561
 Richmond's port offers a dynamic environment for Terminal Operators. The city's strategic location and companies like Port of Richmond provide a stable career. Working here means being part of a growing industry.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Richmond, VA
 
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      Charleston, SC 
 Average Salary: $48,255
 Charleston's port is a bustling hub for cargo handling. Working as a Terminal Operator here offers a vibrant career with companies like Port of Charleston. The city's rich maritime history adds to the appeal.
 Find Terminal Operator jobs in Charleston, SC
 
What are the best companies a Terminal Operator can work for?

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      Marathon Petroleum 
 Average Salary: $78,400
 Marathon Petroleum offers Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on safety and efficiency. They operate in various locations across the United States, including Texas and Ohio.
 
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      Plains All American Pipeline 
 Average Salary: $70,737
 Plains All American Pipeline provides Terminal Operator positions with a strong emphasis on teamwork and reliability. They have facilities in multiple states, including Louisiana and California.
 
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      Kinder Morgan 
 Average Salary: $66,547
 Kinder Morgan offers Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on innovation and sustainability. They operate in key locations such as Texas, New York, and Washington.
 
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      Energy Transfer 
 Average Salary: $62,032
 Energy Transfer provides Terminal Operator positions with a commitment to excellence. They have facilities in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
 
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      Sprague Energy 
 Average Salary: $60,119
 Sprague Energy offers Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on customer service and quality. They operate in locations such as Texas, Louisiana, and New York.
 
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      TransMontaigne 
 Average Salary: $59,047
 TransMontaigne provides Terminal Operator positions with a strong emphasis on teamwork and reliability. They have facilities in states like Texas, Louisiana, and New York.
 
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      Sunoco 
 Average Salary: $58,725
 Sunoco offers Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on safety and efficiency. They operate in key locations such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio.
 
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      ST MARYS CEMENT 
 Average Salary: $51,836
 ST MARYS CEMENT provides Terminal Operator positions with a commitment to excellence. They operate in locations such as Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
 
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      Superior Plus Propane 
 Average Salary: $50,265
 Superior Plus Propane offers Terminal Operator jobs with a focus on customer service and quality. They operate in states like Texas, Louisiana, and New York.
 
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      Holcim 
 Average Salary: $49,854
 Holcim provides Terminal Operator positions with a strong emphasis on teamwork and reliability. They have facilities in states such as Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
 
How to earn more as a Terminal Operator?
A Terminal Operator can increase earnings through various strategies. Gaining experience and expertise in different types of cargo and equipment can lead to higher-paying positions. Specializing in areas like container handling or bulk cargo can make a Terminal Operator more valuable. Employers often offer higher wages to those with specialized skills.
Pursuing additional certifications can also boost earnings. Certifications in safety, equipment operation, and hazardous materials handling are highly valued. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to professional development and can lead to better job opportunities. Employers may offer higher pay to certified professionals due to their enhanced skills and knowledge. Here are some factors that can help increase earnings:
- Experience: Gaining more years of experience can lead to higher wages.
- Specialization: Focusing on specific types of cargo or equipment can increase value.
- Certifications: Earning certifications in safety and operations can lead to better job opportunities.
- Education: Higher levels of education can open doors to higher-paying positions.
- Networking: Building connections in the industry can lead to job opportunities with better pay.



