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Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I in the United States is $58,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,112
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,300 to $67,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,748
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View as table View as graph 25% $53,300 10% $48,748 90% $75,112 75% $67,100 $58,300 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $67,100 $5,592 $1,290 $32
Average $58,300 $4,858 $1,121 $28
25th Percentile $53,300 $4,442 $1,025 $26
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Key Factors That Influence Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salaries

A Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I (0-1 years): $58,257
  • Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator II (1-3 years): $67,610
  • Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III (3-5 years): $74,966
  • Storage/Distribution Terminal Supervisor (5+ years): $98,958
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I0-1 years$58,257
Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator II1-3 years$67,610
Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III3-5 years$74,966
Storage/Distribution Terminal Supervisor5+ years$98,958
$58,257 Storage/D...
$67,610 Storage/D...
$74,966 Storage/D...
$98,958 Storage/D...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $64,600.
  • California: $64,300.
  • Massachusetts: $63,500.

Top Paying Cities for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator Is

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: $73,500
  • San Francisco: $72,700
  • Oakland: $71,200

What Skills Can Increase a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 8.98% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Pipeline Operations (Mentioned in 2.93% Job Postings): Pipeline operation means an operation in connection with the construction, operation, inspection, maintenance or repair of a pipeline carried out on land that is specified in any licence as licence area.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.05% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 8.98%
Pipeline Operations 2.93%
Installation 1.05%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I's salary.
  • Billing: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Data Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Billing
$69,377
19%
Data Analysis
$69,377
19%
Team Operations
$67,628
16%
Planning
$67,628
16%
Chemistry
$67,045
15%
Analysis
$66,462
14%
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Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I'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 May 01, 2026

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Distribution Center Operations Supervisor I $64,100 10%
Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator II $67,610 16%
Freight Distribution Clerk $41,000 -30%
Spare Parts Delivery Coordination Manager $87,700 50%

Salary Trends for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I

Salaries for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,745 in 2023 to around $39,721 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$40,745
2024
$40,336
2025
$39,721
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $40,745
2024 $40,336
2025 $39,721
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I

Here are companies hiring for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I

1. What is the highest paid operator salary?

The highest paid Storage/Distribution Terminal Operators earn a maximum salary of $69,200. The median salary for this role is $62,000, while the minimum salary starts at $52,500. This data reflects the earnings potential within the industry, highlighting significant opportunities for skilled operators.

2. How much do machine operators make in the US?

In the US, Storage/Distribution Terminal Operators earn an annual salary ranging from $52,500 to $69,200, with a median salary of $62,000. This reflects a competitive wage for those in the field, highlighting the importance of their role in logistics and distribution.

3. What does a terminal operator do?

As a Terminal Operator, the individual is responsible for overseeing the safe receipt, storage, and dispatch of goods. Tasks include operating heavy machinery such as forklifts and cranes, monitoring inventory levels, and ensuring that the space is efficiently utilized. The salary for this role typically ranges from $52,500 to $69,200, with a midpoint of $62,000.

4. Which machine operator makes the most money?

The highest-paying machine operator roles include the Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator, with a salary range of $52,500 to $69,200 per year. Other high-paying positions are CMM Programmers ($55,000-$76,000), Screed Operators ($40,000-$65,000), and CNC Machinists, among others.

5. How much do terminal operators make in the US?

Terminal Operators in the US typically earn between $52,500 and $69,200 annually. The average salary is around $62,000 per year. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this role.

6. Are machine operators in demand?

Yes, machine operators are in demand, particularly in the construction industry. The job outlook is positive, with a projected growth rate of 4% from 2023 to 2033, resulting in approximately 21,500 new jobs. For Storage/Distribution Terminal Operators, salaries range from $52,500 to $69,200, with a median salary of $62,000, reflecting the demand for skilled operators in this field.

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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