Construction & Real Estate Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Crane Operator Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median crane operator salary in Fayetteville, AR is $56,628 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$56,628
vs State Avg
+$2,574
vs National
$-7,722
Cost of Living
88%

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

Fayetteville offers a median crane operator salary of $56,628, which is $2,574 above the Arkansas state average of $54,054. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,628 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Fayetteville spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $56,628
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $88,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

How to Become a Crane Operator in Fayetteville

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas 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 Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Fayetteville

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Crane Operator make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $56,628 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,628, a crane operator in Fayetteville earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median crane operator salary of $56,628 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $54,054. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $56,628 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Fayetteville? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Fayetteville 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.