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Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III in the United States is $75,080 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $93,917
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,020 to $84,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,682
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III Salaries

A Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III'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.

How Do Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,130.
  • California: $82,810.
  • Massachusetts: $81,710.

Top Paying Cities for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator IIIs

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: $94,690
  • San Francisco: $93,660
  • Oakland: $91,680

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 16.67% 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.
  • Operation and Control (Mentioned in 16.67% Job Postings): Operational control is the authority to perform those functions of command over subordinate forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission.
  • Pipeline Operations (Mentioned in 16.67% 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 16.67%
Operation and Control 16.67%
Pipeline Operations 16.67%
See More Skills

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 III's salary.

  • Security Clearance: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Security Clearance $89,345
19%
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Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,279. While startup companies pay approximate $71,358.

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $71,358
Growth Stage 51~500 $75,433
Established 501~5000 $81,406
Enterprise 5000+ $84,279

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Transportation, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Transportation$82,588$40.010%
MFG Durable$78,834$38.05%

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III'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 September 01, 2026
$67,020
Average $75,080/year
$84,940
$5,585
Average $6,257/month
$7,078
$1,289
Average $1,444/week
$1,633
$32
Average $36/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,940 $7,078 $1,633 $41
Average $75,080 $6,257 $1,444 $36
25th Percentile $67,020 $5,585 $1,289 $32

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III, 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Distribution Center Operations Supervisor I $64,100 -15%
Storage/Distribution Terminal Supervisor $120,200 60%
Distribution Operations Manager $89,200 19%
Spare Parts Delivery Coordination Manager $87,700 17%

Most common benefits for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III

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

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FAQ about Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III?

The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much do cold storage supervisors make in the US?

Cold storage supervisors in the US typically earn between $70,210 and $95,290 annually, with a median salary of around $85,980. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and location within the industry.

3. What is a level A terminal operator certification?

Terminal Operator Certification Level A signifies that a terminal operator is authorized to access the ACJIS network for tasks such as entering, updating, clearing, or canceling records, conducting inquiries, and interpreting responses. The salary for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator ranges from $70,210 to $95,290, with a mid-salary of $85,980.

4. How much can you make in distribution?

In the field of storage and distribution, salaries can range significantly. The minimum salary for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator is $70,210, with a mid-range salary of $85,980 and a maximum salary reaching $95,290. This indicates a strong earning potential compared to typical distribution worker salaries in various cities.

5. How much does a distribution system operator make?

A Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator typically earns between $70,210 and $95,290 annually, with a median salary of $85,980. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific job responsibilities. For example, cities like Berkeley and San Francisco offer competitive salaries, but the overall range remains consistent across the industry.

6. How much does a terminal operator earn in Texas?

As of January 2025, a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator in Texas earns between $70,210 and $95,290 annually, with a median salary of $85,980. This reflects a more accurate range compared to the hourly pay data, indicating that the majority of operators earn within this salary range.

7. What does a distribution system operator do?

Distribution System Operators (DSO) manage the distribution of energy from generation sources to consumers. They play a crucial role in ensuring efficient energy delivery, leveraging digitalization through investments in automation, smart meters, and data analytics. The salary for a Storage/Distribution Terminal Operator ranges from $70,210 to $95,290, with a mid-point of $85,980.

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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