Motor Grader Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Motor Grader Operator make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Motor Grader Operator in the United States is $51,204 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a Motor Grader Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,601
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,404 to $62,404
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,392
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View as table View as graph 25% $42,404 10% $34,392 90% $72,601 75% $62,404 $51,204 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Motor Grader Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $62,404 $5,200 $1,200 $30
Average $51,204 $4,267 $985 $25
25th Percentile $42,404 $3,534 $815 $20
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Key Factors That Influence Motor Grader Operator Salaries

A Motor 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.

Top Paying Cities for Motor Grader Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $64,604
  • San Francisco: $63,904
  • Oakland: $62,504

Motor Grader Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Motor Grader Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,204. While startup companies pay approximate $51,204.

Motor Grader Operator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$51,204
Growth Stage51~500$51,204
Established501~5000$51,204
Enterprise5000+$51,204

Motor Grader Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Motor 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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Most common benefits for Motor Grader Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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United States
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    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Motor Grader Operator

1. What is a paying grade?

Pay grades are a structured system of salary levels within an organization that determine the range of compensation for specific job positions. For example, a Motor Grader Operator may earn between $41,004 and $60,404, with a midpoint salary of $49,604. This system ensures consistency, fairness, and competitiveness in compensation practices.

2. What is a motor grader operator?

A motor grader operator mixes materials and operates a grader and other heavy equipment to spread and level materials like gravel, stone, and dirt for road construction. Responsibilities include meeting grade specifications for freeways, public and temporary streets, and airports. The salary for this role ranges from $41,004 to $60,404, with a mid-point of $49,604.

3. How much do graders get paid?

Motor Grader Operators earn between $41,004 and $60,404 annually, with a median salary of $49,604. While some states may offer lower average salaries, the overall compensation for this role reflects the skills and responsibilities involved in operating heavy machinery.

4. What is the highest paid trucking job?

The highest-paid trucking jobs include positions like transport manager, long-haul driver, and owner-operator driver. For specialized roles such as a Motor Grader Operator, salaries range from a minimum of $41,004 to a maximum of $60,404, with a mid-salary of $49,604, reflecting the demand and skill level required in the industry.

5. What is the highest salary of an operator?

The highest salary for a Motor Grader Operator is $60,404. The median salary is $49,604, while the minimum salary starts at $41,004. This reflects the earnings potential within this role, highlighting the range from entry-level to experienced positions in the field.

6. What is another name for a motor grader?

A grader, also known as a road grader or motor grader, is a type of heavy equipment equipped with a long blade used for creating flat surfaces during grading. Motor Grader Operators earn a salary ranging from $41,004 to $60,404, with a median salary of $49,604, reflecting the skilled nature of this essential role in construction and maintenance.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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