Construction & Real Estate
Crane Operator Salary
Crane operators control crane equipment to lift and move heavy materials on construction and industrial sites.
Median Salary
$64,350
Mean Salary
$68,200
Total Employed
67,200
Job Growth
+4%
Crane Operator Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level crane operators earn around $42,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $66,000. Senior-level crane operators can earn $95,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for crane operators varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $40,000, while the top 10% earn $100,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $64,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $100,000 |
Crane Operator Salary by State
Crane Operator salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $109,395, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $53,411.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $109,395 | Details → |
| #2 California | $88,803 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $86,873 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $79,794 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $78,507 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $74,003 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $74,003 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $72,072 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $70,785 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $70,785 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $67,568 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $67,568 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $67,568 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $66,924 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $64,994 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $64,994 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $63,063 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $63,063 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $62,420 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $62,420 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $62,420 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $62,420 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $61,776 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $61,133 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $61,133 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $60,489 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $59,846 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $59,846 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $59,202 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $59,202 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $59,202 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $59,202 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $58,559 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $57,915 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $57,915 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $57,915 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $57,915 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $57,915 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $57,272 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $57,272 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $57,272 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $56,628 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $56,628 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $55,985 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $55,985 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $55,985 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $55,341 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $54,054 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $54,054 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $53,411 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Operate cranes to lift and position materials
- ● Read signals from ground crew
- ● Inspect crane equipment before operation
- ● Calculate load weights and capacities
- ● Maintain crane operation logs
Top Skills
Crane Operation Load Calculation Safety Protocols Communication Equipment Inspection NCCCO Certification
Education Required
High school diploma
Job Outlook
As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crane Operator Salaries
How much does a Crane Operator make per year? ▼
The median crane operator salary in the United States is $64,350 per year. Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $95,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $68,200.
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $64,350 per year, a crane operator earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for crane operators? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for crane operators, with a median salary of $109,395. Other top-paying states include California ($88,803) and Massachusetts ($86,873).
What education do you need to become a crane operator? ▼
Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Key skills include Crane Operation, Load Calculation, Safety Protocols, Communication. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for crane operators? ▼
Employment for crane operators is projected to grow 4% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 67,200 crane operators employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level crane operator make? ▼
An entry-level crane operator with 0-2 years of experience earns around $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $66,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $40,000, while the top 10% earn $100,000.