Combine Operator (Combine Harvester Operator) — USA
A Combine Operator (Combine Harvester Operator) runs the machine that turns standing crop into clean grain. The job is seasonal and pace-driven: long harvest days, dust, field logistics, and strict safety discipline. Exact terms depend on the employer and season. CV is required for review.
What a Combine Operator actually does
Combine operation is not just driving. It is a daily loop of checks, settings, clean harvesting, and safe unloading—while protecting yield and minimizing downtime.
Titles vary: “Combine Operator”, “Harvest Operator”, “Agricultural Equipment Operator”. Duties depend on crop type, farm scale, and whether the role includes maintenance support.
Gross pay snapshot (USA) + H-2A wage floors
Combine Operator pay is influenced by crop type, state, farm size, equipment complexity, and experience. For many employers, offered pay must comply with the highest applicable H-2A wage source (AEWR, prevailing wage if available, federal/state minimum wage, or a collective bargaining rate where relevant).
National benchmark (Agricultural Equipment Operators)
| Percentile | Gross hourly | Gross annual* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $14.45 | $30,050 |
| 25th | $16.92 | $35,190 |
| Median | $19.08 | $39,690 |
| 75th | $22.43 | $46,650 |
| 90th | $26.23 | $54,550 |
*Annual values shown are the standard full-time conversion used in wage statistics (2,080 hours/year). Seasonal harvest work can involve variable weekly hours depending on weather and crop readiness.
H-2A AEWR wage floor (examples, gross hourly)
AEWR is a minimum wage floor for many H-2A job opportunities. Actual offers can be higher based on duties and employer policy.
| State (example) | AEWR (gross hourly) |
|---|---|
| California | $19.97 |
| Washington | $19.82 |
| Oregon | $19.82 |
| Florida | $16.23 |
| Texas | $15.79 |
| Iowa | $18.65 |
The applicable floor depends on the work location and the job order’s wage source hierarchy.
A short role story (what makes a good combine operator)
Harvest has no rewind button. Good operators prevent small issues from becoming expensive ones—grain loss creeping up, header feeding unevenly, moisture changes, or a sensor warning that signals a bigger mechanical problem. The best operators are calm, methodical, and respectful of the machine.
Daily quality signals you must watch
- grain loss indicators and tailings return behavior;
- grain sample quality (cracks, trash, foreign material);
- engine load, belt/chain noises, vibration changes;
- plugging risks at the header/feeder and cleaning system.
Safety behaviors that employers screen for
- controlled speed near people, trucks, and field edges;
- safe unloading distances and visibility discipline;
- no unsafe servicing while parts are moving;
- clean access points (slip/trip prevention).
Detailed requirements (screening checklist)
Employers hiring combine operators typically prioritize safety, reliability, and proven equipment discipline. The list below is written to match realistic harvest screening criteria.
Must-have
- CV in English (required for review).
- Experience operating agricultural equipment (combine/harvesters strongly preferred).
- Ability to follow field instructions and safety rules consistently.
- Comfort working outdoors in dust, heat/cold shifts, and changing weather.
- Availability for seasonal schedules (days can extend when conditions allow).
Strong advantage
- Basic mechanical aptitude: daily checks, greasing, spotting wear/leaks.
- GPS guidance familiarity and simple field mapping routines.
- Understanding of grain-loss control and adjustment logic (practical, not theoretical).
- Safe unloading coordination with grain carts/trucks and radio discipline.
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (role-dependent).
Interview questions you should be ready for
- How do you adjust settings when crop moisture changes?
- What do you check before starting the machine each day?
- What are your “stop now” warning signs (sound/vibration/alarms)?
- How do you unload safely when visibility is limited?
Plant/farm policies may include training, site-specific safety rules, and pre-employment screening depending on the employer.
Short candidate portrait
You are a fit if you stay focused for long hours, you treat safety as non-negotiable, and you can operate equipment without rushing. You notice changes in sound, vibration, crop flow, and grain quality—and you act early.
You will likely do well if you…
- prefer checklists and consistent routines;
- communicate clearly with the crew and follow field plans;
- stay calm when weather compresses the schedule;
- keep the machine clean and report issues early.
This role may be a poor match if you…
- avoid outdoor work or dusty/noisy conditions;
- cannot commit to seasonal attendance requirements;
- ignore safety rules to “save time”;
- dislike repetitive, discipline-based work.
Work conditions (USA) — what to expect in harvest roles
Environment
- Field work with dust, vibration, and changing weather.
- Long periods of seated operation plus walking/climbing for checks.
- Strong safety expectations around moving equipment and unloading zones.
- Visibility constraints at night or in dust require extra discipline.
H-2A contract realities (high-level)
- Many H-2A jobs are structured as full-time temporary positions with stated weekly hours.
- Employers must typically guarantee a minimum percentage of the contract hours over the contract period (three-fourths guarantee).
- Employer obligations can include transportation between employer-provided/secured housing and the worksite at no cost to workers.
Exact job order terms vary by employer and certification; this page is informational and not legal advice.
Next steps (CV-first process)
- Create/upload your CV and ensure phone/email are correct.
- Role-fit screening: harvest experience, equipment discipline, start window, safety readiness.
- Employer stage: interview and practical scenario questions (settings, unloading, checks).
- Documentation phase: employer-driven onboarding and eligibility steps per U.S. requirements.
FAQ — Combine Operator jobs in the USA
FAQ is written for candidates comparing combine operator roles under seasonal U.S. farm conditions.
What does a Combine Operator do day-to-day?
Is combine work only “driving”?
What gross pay is realistic for combine operator-type roles?
What is AEWR and why does it matter for H-2A?
Do I need GPS experience?
What should I highlight on my CV to be shortlisted?
Related roles in Agriculture (H-2A focus)
Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.