Construction & Real Estate Wasilla, AK Pop. 12,000

Crane Operator Salary in Wasilla, Alaska

The median crane operator salary in Wasilla, AK is $75,933 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 4.8% below the Alaska state average.

City Median
$75,933
vs State Avg
$-3,861
vs National
+$11,583
Cost of Living
118%

Crane Operator Pay in Wasilla: What to Expect (2026)

Wasilla offers a median crane operator salary of $75,933, which is $3,861 below the Alaska state average of $79,794. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Wasilla pays above average for this role.

However, Wasilla's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $75,933 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $64,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Wasilla should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for crane operators in Wasilla spans from $47,200 at the 10th percentile to $118,000 at the 90th percentile — a $70,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,560, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. Wasilla is a smaller market (pop. 12,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Wasilla by Experience

In Wasilla, an entry-level crane operator earns around $49,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,560
+$7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,880
+$11,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,100
+$17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wasilla, AK

Percentile Wasilla
10th Percentile $47,200
25th Percentile $59,000
Median (50th) $75,933
75th Percentile $96,760
90th Percentile $118,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Alaska Cities

How to Become a Crane Operator in Wasilla

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Wasilla and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Wasilla may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Wasilla

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Wasilla

How much does a Crane Operator make in Wasilla, AK? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Wasilla, Alaska is $75,933 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $47,200 (10th percentile) to $118,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Wasilla? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,933, a crane operator in Wasilla earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wasilla compare to the Alaska state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Wasilla's median crane operator salary of $75,933 is 4.8% below the Alaska state average of $79,794. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wasilla, AK? ▼
Wasilla has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $75,933 in Wasilla has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Wasilla? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Wasilla require a high school diploma. Key skills include Crane Operation, Load Calculation, Safety Protocols, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.