Construction & Real Estate California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in California

The median crane operator salary in California is $88,803 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$88,803
vs National
+$24,453
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Crane Operator Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level crane operator earns around $57,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,100 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,080
+$25,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,100
+$36,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $55,200
25th Percentile $69,000
Median (50th) $88,803
75th Percentile $113,160
90th Percentile $138,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for crane operators in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Crane Operator in California

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.