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Grain elevator operator salary
Average grain elevator operator salary
$38,730
Understanding Grain Elevator Operator Salaries
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Grain Elevator Operator stands at $38,730 per year, or about $19 per hour. This figure can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific job responsibilities. For example, operators in states like North Dakota and Illinois often earn more due to higher demand and cost of living adjustments.
In addition to salary, job opportunities in this field are robust, with many positions available across the United States. Operators play a crucial role in grain handling, working with machinery and ensuring the quality of stored grain. Skills in equipment maintenance and safety protocols are essential for success in this role.
For those considering a career in this sector, knowledge of grain handling practices and a commitment to safety can enhance job prospects. Continuous training and certification can lead to advancement opportunities, potentially increasing earning potential over time.
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Where can a Grain Elevator Operator earn more?
Grain elevator operator salary estimates from across the web
Average grain elevator operator salary by state
The highest-paying states for grain elevator operators are Minnesota, Wyoming, and Alaska. The lowest average grain elevator operator salary states are Colorado, South Carolina, and Washington.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for grain elevator operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $45,185 | $21.72 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $48,239 | $23.19 |
| 3 | Kentucky | $42,918 | $20.63 |
| 4 | North Carolina | $44,096 | $21.20 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $41,971 | $20.18 |
| 6 | Idaho | $44,482 | $21.39 |
| 7 | Kansas | $40,318 | $19.38 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | $39,232 | $18.86 |
| 9 | Wyoming | $47,297 | $22.74 |
| 10 | West Virginia | $43,356 | $20.84 |
| 11 | Utah | $40,401 | $19.42 |
| 12 | Iowa | $39,189 | $18.84 |
| 13 | Nevada | $40,170 | $19.31 |
| 14 | New Jersey | $39,528 | $19.00 |
| 15 | Rhode Island | $38,250 | $18.39 |
| 16 | Nebraska | $38,685 | $18.60 |
| 17 | Texas | $38,852 | $18.68 |
| 18 | Oregon | $41,530 | $19.97 |
| 19 | Tennessee | $37,541 | $18.05 |
| 20 | Michigan | $39,727 | $19.10 |
| 21 | Hawaii | $40,060 | $19.26 |
| 22 | South Dakota | $38,731 | $18.62 |
| 23 | Mississippi | $38,115 | $18.32 |
| 24 | Arkansas | $38,031 | $18.28 |
| 25 | New Mexico | $39,846 | $19.16 |
| 26 | Maryland | $37,469 | $18.01 |
| 27 | Massachusetts | $38,053 | $18.29 |
| 28 | Georgia | $37,172 | $17.87 |
| 29 | Montana | $39,856 | $19.16 |
| 30 | California | $38,140 | $18.34 |
| 31 | Illinois | $37,149 | $17.86 |
| 32 | Oklahoma | $38,483 | $18.50 |
| 33 | District of Columbia | $37,373 | $17.97 |
| 34 | Alabama | $37,428 | $17.99 |
| 35 | New York | $39,649 | $19.06 |
| 36 | Delaware | $37,803 | $18.17 |
| 37 | New Hampshire | $37,821 | $18.18 |
| 38 | Connecticut | $38,458 | $18.49 |
| 39 | Florida | $37,087 | $17.83 |
| 40 | Wisconsin | $36,188 | $17.40 |
| 41 | Indiana | $35,074 | $16.86 |
| 42 | Vermont | $37,585 | $18.07 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $36,891 | $17.74 |
| 44 | Ohio | $34,932 | $16.79 |
| 45 | Missouri | $35,237 | $16.94 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $33,209 | $15.97 |
| 47 | Arizona | $32,077 | $15.42 |
| 48 | Washington | $32,689 | $15.72 |
| 49 | Colorado | $33,363 | $16.04 |
| 50 | Maine | $29,811 | $14.33 |
| 51 | Virginia | $29,674 | $14.27 |
Highest paying cities for grain elevator operators
The highest-paying cities for grain elevator operators are Hickory, NC, Kansas City, KS, and Sioux City, IA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hickory, NC | $44,219 | $21.26 |
| 2 | Kansas City, KS | $40,319 | $19.38 |
| 3 | Sioux City, IA | $39,362 | $18.92 |
| 4 | Kansas City, MO | $35,381 | $17.01 |
| 5 | Evansville, IN | $34,547 | $16.61 |
Grain elevator operator salary details
A grain elevator operator's salary ranges from $30,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $49,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a grain elevator operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $49,000 | $4,083 | $24 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,000 | $3,667 | $21 |
| Average | $38,730 | $3,228 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,000 | $2,833 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
Highest paying grain elevator operator jobs
The highest paying types of grain elevator operators are silo operator, conveyor system dispatcher, and brick unloader tender.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Forklift Operator | $34,213 | $2,851 | $16.45 | 213,020 |
| Loader Operator | $36,987 | $3,082 | $17.78 | 61,980 |
| Elevator Operator | $36,944 | $3,079 | $17.76 | 31,248 |
Top companies hiring grain elevator operators now:
Which companies pay grain elevator operators the most?
Grain elevator operator salaries at General Mills and CHS are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average grain elevator operator salary at companies like Big River Resources and Savage are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Mills | $39,102 | $18.80 |
| 2 | CHS | $39,093 | $18.79 |
| 3 | Big River Resources | $38,642 | $18.58 |
| 4 | Savage | $38,295 | $18.41 |
| 5 | Central Valley Homes | $38,188 | $18.36 |
| 6 | C H & S Inc | $38,188 | $18.36 |
| 7 | AG Partners LLC | $38,186 | $18.36 |
| 8 | Bartlett and Company | $38,154 | $18.34 |
| 9 | Innovative Ag Services Llc | $37,587 | $18.07 |
| 10 | Conestoga | $37,178 | $17.87 |
| 11 | The Andersons | $36,587 | $17.59 |
| 12 | United Electric Cooperative Services, Inc. | $36,127 | $17.37 |
| 13 | GROWMARK | $36,082 | $17.35 |
| 14 | Columbia Grain Intl Inc | $35,712 | $17.17 |
| 15 | Randstad North America, Inc. | $35,579 | $17.11 |
| 16 | Smithfield Foods | $34,425 | $16.55 |
| 17 | Tyson Foods | $33,241 | $15.98 |
| 18 | Mountaire Farms | $32,537 | $15.64 |
| 19 | MBS Solutions | $31,557 | $15.17 |
| 20 | Aventure Staffing | $31,440 | $15.12 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Grain elevator operator salary trends
The average grain elevator operator salary has risen by $6,983 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average grain elevator operator earned $31,747 annually, but today, they earn $38,730 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for grain elevator operators over the last decade.
Compare grain elevator operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average grain elevator operator salary over time
Compare grain elevator operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Grain elevator operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,700 | $18.62 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $37,500 | $18.04 | +4.8% |
| 2023 | $35,700 | $17.17 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $35,000 | $16.81 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $34,000 | $16.35 | -2.0% |
Recently added grain elevator operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithfieldfoods | Grain Elevator Operator-Bethany, Gilman City, Blue Ridge | Bethany, MO | 06/30/2025 | $39,757 |
| Rahrbsg | Grain Elevator Operator | Amenia, ND | 06/27/2025 | $48,001 |
| CHS, Inc. | Seasonal Grain Elevator Operator | Kennewick, WA | 06/26/2025 | $31,702 |
| Archer Daniels Midland Company | Grain Facility Operator | Havana, IL | 06/24/2025 | $42,846 |
| Consolidated Grain and Barge | Grain Elevator Operator-Barge | Louisiana, MO | 06/13/2025 | $37,566 |
| CGB | Grain Elevator Operator-Barge | Louisiana, MO | 06/12/2025 | $37,566 |
| CGB | Grain Elevator Operator-Rail Facility | Freeport, IL | 06/11/2025 | $37,566 |
| Consolidated Grain and Barge | Grain Elevator Operator-Rail Facility | Freeport, IL | 06/11/2025 | $37,566 |
| Smithfield Foods, Inc. | Grain Elevator Operator | La Grange, NC | 05/28/2025 | $36,523 |
| Smithfield Foods, Inc. | Grain Elevator Operator | Harpster, OH | 05/28/2025 | $37,566 |
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