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What is a grain elevator operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a grain elevator operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.62 an hour? That's $38,730 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreGrain Elevator OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,730

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.9

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.79%

Asian 0.79%

Black or African American 6.72%

Hispanic or Latino 13.83%

Unknown 4.35%

White 73.52%

Gender

female 8.04%

male 91.96%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.7

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Grain elevator operator career paths

Key steps to become a grain elevator operator

  1. Explore grain elevator operator education requirements

    Most common grain elevator operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    44.7 %

    Bachelor's

    19.8 %

    Associate

    18.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific grain elevator operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Harvest23.74%
    Ladders13.19%
    Grain Elevator11.64%
    Measure Materials7.59%
    Routine Maintenance7.27%
  3. Complete relevant grain elevator operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New grain elevator operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a grain elevator operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real grain elevator operator resumes.
  4. Research grain elevator operator duties and responsibilities

    • Work as a grain elevator operator for summer harvest
    • Help to design conveyance dollies which reduce assembly walk time and save space.
    • Perform job tasks in a safe manner in compliance with ADM safety programs and procedures.
    • Used agris while loading, also have telehandler and bobcat experience, also have grain grading experience
  5. Prepare your grain elevator operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your grain elevator operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a grain elevator operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable grain elevator operator resume templates

    Build a professional grain elevator operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your grain elevator operator resume.
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
    Grain Elevator Operator Resume
  6. Apply for grain elevator operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a grain elevator operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first grain elevator operator job

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Average grain elevator operator salary

The average grain elevator operator salary in the United States is $38,730 per year or $19 per hour. Grain elevator operator salaries range between $30,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average grain elevator operator salary
$38,730 Yearly
$18.62 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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