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Terminal Operations Specialist III Salary in the United States

How much does a Terminal Operations Specialist III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Terminal Operations Specialist III in the United States is $75,073 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a Terminal Operations Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $93,912
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,017 to $84,934
  • 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 Terminal Operations Specialist III Salaries

A Terminal Operations Specialist III'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 Terminal Operations Specialist III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Terminal Operations Specialist III'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:

  • Terminal Operations Specialist I (0-1 years): $58,317
  • Terminal Operations Specialist II (1-3 years): $67,700
  • Terminal Operations Specialist III (3-5 years): $75,073
  • Terminal Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $120,200
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Terminal Operations Specialist I0-1 years$58,317
Terminal Operations Specialist II1-3 years$67,700
Terminal Operations Specialist III3-5 years$75,073
Terminal Operations Supervisor5+ years$120,200
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How Do Terminal Operations Specialist 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 Terminal Operations Specialist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,121.
  • California: $82,806.
  • Massachusetts: $81,702.

Top Paying Cities for Terminal Operations Specialist 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: $93,653
  • Oakland: $91,679

What Skills Can Increase a Terminal Operations Specialist 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 Terminal Operations Specialist III's salary.

  • Security Clearance: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Security Clearance $89,337
19%
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Terminal Operations Specialist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Terminal Operations Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,271. While startup companies pay approximate $71,351.

Terminal Operations Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $71,351
Growth Stage 51~500 $75,426
Established 501~5000 $81,399
Enterprise 5000+ $84,271

Terminal Operations Specialist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Terminal Operations Specialist 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, Terminal Operations Specialist positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Terminal Operations Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Terminal Operations Specialist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Transportation$82,580$40.010%
MFG Durable$78,827$38.05%

Terminal Operations Specialist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Terminal Operations Specialist 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
$67,017
Average $75,073/year
$84,934
$5,585
Average $6,256/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 $84,934 $7,078 $1,633 $41
Average $75,073 $6,256 $1,444 $36
25th Percentile $67,017 $5,585 $1,289 $32

Terminal Operations Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Terminal Operations Specialist III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Terminal Operations Specialist 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 Supervisor $64,035 -15%
Terminal Operations Supervisor $120,200 60%
Distribution Manager $89,191 19%
Spares Coordination Manager $87,611 17%

Most common benefits for Terminal Operations Specialist III

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

Common company salaries for Terminal Operations Specialist III

Here are companies hiring for Terminal Operations Specialist III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Terminal Operations Specialist III

1. Where can a Terminal Operations Specialist III earn the most?

A Terminal Operations Specialist III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Terminal Operations Specialist III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Terminal Operations Specialist III is $94,690.

2. What is the highest pay for Terminal Operations Specialist III?

The highest pay for Terminal Operations Specialist III is $93,912.

3. What is the lowest pay for Terminal Operations Specialist III?

The lowest pay for Terminal Operations Specialist III is $59,682.

4. What are the responsibilities of Terminal Operations Specialist III?

Assists in the operations of a storage/distribution terminal associated with a plant. Performs loading, unloading, and monitoring activities. Maintains terminal property and equipment. Complies with all required safety policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure secure and safe operations. Prepares records and reports related to shipments and inventory. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Terminal Operations Specialist III?

The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Terminal Operations Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

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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