How To Become A Terminal Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a terminal operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A terminal operator manages the daily operations of a transportation terminal. They oversee the loading and unloading of cargo and passengers, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Terminal operators are also responsible for maintaining equipment and facilities, managing staff, and handling administrative tasks such as billing and invoicing. They play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and safe movement of people and goods through transportation hubs.

ScoreTerminal OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,948

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

8.3

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.90%

Asian 2.87%

Black or African American 15.29%

Hispanic or Latino 20.46%

Unknown 4.52%

White 55.96%

Gender

female 17.53%

male 82.47%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress Level

8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.8

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Terminal Operator?

Pros

Chance to work with cutting-edge technology
Possibility to work independently or as part of a team
High job security due to the essential nature of the industry
Chance to work in a dynamic and constantly evolving industry
Exposure to a wide range of stakeholders and customers

Cons

Frequent exposure to hazardous conditions, such as chemicals and heavy machinery
Physically demanding work that can involve heavy lifting and standing for extended periods
Strict safety regulations and protocols that must be followed at all times
Potential for conflict with customers or other stakeholders, particularly when issues arise
Potential for monotony or boredom due to repetitive tasks.

Key steps to become a terminal operator

Explore terminal operator education requirements

Most common terminal operator degrees

High School Diploma

34.2 %

Bachelor's

28.4 %

Associate

22.3 %

Start to develop specific terminal operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Loaders	9.21%
Cranes	8.73%
Rail Cars	6.98%
Customer Service	6.05%
TWIC	4.62%

Complete relevant terminal operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New terminal operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a terminal operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real terminal operator resumes.

Research terminal operator duties and responsibilities

Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
Pull LTL loads for shipment.
Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).

Prepare your terminal operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your terminal operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a terminal operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Terminal Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Terminal Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Terminal Operator resume.

Apply for terminal operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a terminal operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do terminal operators rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Terminal Operator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2023

Pros

Not sure if this is everywhere but where I work it's too hot in the summer to log so we get July and August off with pay. We also get a yearly bonus (around $15-$20k) at the end of the season. The work is hard but I enjoy it.

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019

Cons

Shift work