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Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I Salary in the United States

What is the salary range of a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I?

As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I in the United States is $58,200 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): $75,012
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,200 to $67,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,648
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View as table View as graph 25% $53,200 10% $48,648 90% $75,012 75% $67,000 $58,200 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 $67,000 $5,583 $1,288 $32
Average $58,200 $4,850 $1,119 $28
25th Percentile $53,200 $4,433 $1,023 $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 I 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $57,827
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $59,119
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $60,433
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $60,827
  • Expert (over 8 years): $61,090
Levels Salary
Entry Level Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I $57,827
Intermediate Level Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I $59,119
Senior Level Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I $60,433
Specialist Level Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I $60,827
Expert Level Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I $61,090
$57,827 0 yr
$59,119 < 2 yrs
$60,433 2-4 yrs
$60,827 5-8 yrs
$61,090 > 8 yrs
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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:

  • California: $64,200.
  • Massachusetts: $63,400.
  • New Jersey: $63,100

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 November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator Is

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

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator I bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 61.0%
Bonuses 8.7%
Social Security 5.3%
401k/403b 2.8%
Disability 0.7%
Healthcare 8.4%
Pension 4.5%
Time Off 8.6%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $58,200 61.0%
Bonus $8,300 8.7%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $5,087 5.3%
401K/403B $2,660 2.8%
Disability $665 0.7%
Healthcare $7,986 8.4%
Pension $4,256 4.5%
Time Off $8,185 8.6%
Total Compensation $95,339 100%
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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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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