Grader operator vs motor grader operator

The differences between grader operators and motor grader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a grader operator and a motor grader operator. Additionally, a motor grader operator has an average salary of $47,143, which is higher than the $46,011 average annual salary of a grader operator.

The top three skills for a grader operator include asphalt, CDL and OSHA. The most important skills for a motor grader operator are asphalt, GPS, and CDL.

Grader operator vs motor grader operator overview

	Grader Operator	Motor Grader Operator
Yearly salary	$46,011	$47,143
Hourly rate	$22.12	$22.66
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	35,424	31,791
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Grader operator vs motor grader operator salary

Grader operators and motor grader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Grader Operator	Motor Grader Operator
Average salary	$46,011	$47,143
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $60,000	Between $37,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between grader operator and motor grader operator education

There are a few differences between a grader operator and a motor grader operator in terms of educational background:

	Grader Operator	Motor Grader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Grader operator vs motor grader operator demographics

Here are the differences between grader operators' and motor grader operators' demographics:

	Grader Operator	Motor Grader Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1%	Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%	Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between grader operator and motor grader operator duties and responsibilities

Grader operator example responsibilities.

Experience with GPS, laser, and sonic.
Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.
Operate dozer to backfill trench and level pipeline.
Manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients using GMP format and aseptic techniques.

Motor grader operator example responsibilities.

Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
Stock pile millings, asphalt, landfill as trailers dump loads in yards.
Partner with vendors to supply concrete, ABC (aggregate base course) and asphalt.
Reviewed/Approve area assessment reports and corrective action plans assuring compliance with applicable OSHA and EPA regulatory guidance.
Complete intensive on-the-job training in HAZMAT and acquire certification for appropriate handling of hazardous materials.

Grader operator vs motor grader operator skills

Common grader operator skills

Asphalt, 42%
CDL, 14%
OSHA, 12%
General Maintenance, 8%
DOT, 7%
Safety Regulations, 5%

Common motor grader operator skills

Asphalt, 18%
GPS, 16%
CDL, 11%
Equipment Maintenance, 10%
Loaders, 8%
Dozer, 6%

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Grader Operator
Grader Operator vs Motor Grader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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