As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Grader Operator in the United States is $50,603 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Grader Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Grader Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $61,703 | $5,142 | $1,187 | $30 |
| Average | $50,603 | $4,217 | $973 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,903 | $3,492 | $806 | $20 |
Nine Energy Service - CHARLEROI, PA
Clean Harbors - REIDSVILLE, NC
Clean Harbors - DES MOINES, IA
Clean Harbors - KIMBALL, NE
A Grader Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Grader Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Grader Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $61,703 | $5,142 | $1,187 | $30 |
| Average | $50,603 | $4,217 | $973 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,903 | $3,492 | $806 | $20 |
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The highest paying job varies by field, but for Grader Operators, salaries range from a minimum of $41,003 to a mid-level of $49,603, with a maximum of $60,403. While this may not compare to top-tier professions like anesthesiologists or orthodontists, it offers a stable income within its industry.
The highest salary for a Grader Operator is $60,403. The median salary is $49,603, while the minimum salary starts at $41,003. This reflects the range of earnings within the profession, highlighting the potential for growth and advancement in the field.
How much does a Grader Operator make? The estimated salary for a Grader Operator ranges from $41,003 to $60,403 per year, with a median salary of $49,603. These figures reflect the typical earnings based on collected data and represent the midpoint of the salary range for this position.
Trucking can be a viable career in the USA, with Grader Operators earning between $41,003 and $60,403 annually. While this may not match the earnings of high-paying professions like lawyers or doctors, it offers a stable income. The median salary of $49,603 reflects a solid opportunity for those interested in the field.
Pay grades are a structured system of salary levels within an organization that determine the range of compensation for specific job positions. For a Grader Operator, the salary ranges from $41,003 to $60,403, with a midpoint of $49,603. This system ensures consistency, fairness, and competitiveness in compensation practices.
Grader Operators earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $41,003, a mid-range salary of $49,603, and a maximum of $60,403 per year. While other heavy equipment operators like Winch Truck Drivers and Crane Operators can earn higher, Grader Operators still enjoy a solid income within the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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