Construction & Real Estate Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Crane Operator Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median crane operator salary in Los Angeles, CA is $93,951 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$93,951
vs State Avg
+$5,148
vs National
+$29,601
Cost of Living
146%

Crane Operator Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median crane operator salary of $93,951, which is $5,148 above the California state average of $88,803. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,951 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $64,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for crane operators in Los Angeles spans from $58,400 at the 10th percentile to $146,000 at the 90th percentile — a $87,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,320, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,700. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Crane Operator Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level crane operator earns around $61,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,320
+$19,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,360
+$30,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,700
+$43,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $58,400
25th Percentile $73,000
Median (50th) $93,951
75th Percentile $119,720
90th Percentile $146,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$117,117
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$108,108
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$91,377
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$75,933
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Crane Operator in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open crane operator positions in Los Angeles, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Crane Operator make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Los Angeles, California is $93,951 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $58,400 (10th percentile) to $146,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,951, a crane operator in Los Angeles earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median crane operator salary of $93,951 is 5.8% above the California state average of $88,803. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $93,951 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Los Angeles? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Los Angeles 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.