Construction & Real Estate San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Crane Operator Salary in San Diego, California

The median crane operator salary in San Diego, CA is $91,377 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$91,377
vs State Avg
+$2,574
vs National
+$27,027
Cost of Living
142%

Crane Operator Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level crane operator earns around $59,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,640
+$17,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,720
+$27,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,900
+$39,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $56,800
25th Percentile $71,000
Median (50th) $91,377
75th Percentile $116,440
90th Percentile $142,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Crane Operator in San Diego

Education

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