Construction & Real Estate Jonesboro, AR Pop. 78,576

Crane Operator Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas

The median crane operator salary in Jonesboro, AR is $52,767 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$52,767
vs State Avg
$-1,287
vs National
$-11,583
Cost of Living
82%

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

Jonesboro offers a median crane operator salary of $52,767, which is $1,287 below the Arkansas state average of $54,054. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,767 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Jonesboro spans from $32,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,000 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,440, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level crane operator earns around $34,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,120
$-11,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jonesboro, AR

Percentile Jonesboro
10th Percentile $32,800
25th Percentile $41,000
Median (50th) $52,767
75th Percentile $67,240
90th Percentile $82,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$56,628
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$55,985
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$54,054
Pop. 80,433
Fort Smith, AR
$51,480
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Crane Operator in Jonesboro

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Jonesboro

Browse open crane operator positions in Jonesboro, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Crane Operator make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $52,767 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $32,800 (10th percentile) to $82,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,767, a crane operator in Jonesboro earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Jonesboro's median crane operator salary of $52,767 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $54,054. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $52,767 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Jonesboro? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Jonesboro 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.