Construction & Real Estate Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Crane Operator Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median crane operator salary in Dover, DE is $61,776 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$61,776
vs State Avg
$-3,218
vs National
$-2,574
Cost of Living
96%

Crane Operator Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median crane operator salary of $61,776, which is $3,218 below the Delaware state average of $64,994. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for crane operators in Dover spans from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $96,000 at the 90th percentile — a $57,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,200. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level crane operator earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,360
$-2,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,200
$-3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $48,000
Median (50th) $61,776
75th Percentile $78,720
90th Percentile $96,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$67,568
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$65,637
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$63,707
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$63,063
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Crane Operator in Dover

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Dover

Browse open crane operator positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Dover

How much does a Crane Operator make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Dover, Delaware is $61,776 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $96,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,776, a crane operator in Dover earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Dover's median crane operator salary of $61,776 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $64,994. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $61,776 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Dover? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Dover 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.