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.

Los Angeles, CA
$93,951
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$117,117
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$91,377
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$108,108
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$75,933
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

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.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in California

Browse open crane operator positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in California

How much does a Crane Operator make 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. Salaries range from $55,200 (10th percentile) to $138,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,803, a crane operator in California earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for crane operators? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $57,960, while senior professionals earn $131,100.
How does California compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. California's median of $88,803 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($109,395) and Massachusetts ($86,873).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in California? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in California earns approximately $57,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $91,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,100.
What city in California pays crane operators the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for crane operators, with a median salary of $117,117. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.