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

San Francisco, CA
$117,117
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$108,108
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$93,951
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$75,933
Pop. 524,943

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.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in San Diego

Browse open crane operator positions in San Diego, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in San Diego

How much does a Crane Operator make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median crane operator salary in San Diego, California is $91,377 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $56,800 (10th percentile) to $142,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,377, a crane operator in San Diego earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for crane operator pay? ▼
San Diego's median crane operator salary of $91,377 is 2.9% above the California state average of $88,803. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $91,377 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in San Diego? ▼
Most crane operator positions in San Diego 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.