Construction & Real Estate Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Georgia

The median crane operator salary in Georgia is $59,846 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$59,846
vs National
$-4,504
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Crane Operator Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for crane operator compensation. Crane Operator salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,846 per year, crane operators in Georgia earn $4,504 less than the national median of $64,350.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $59,846 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $64,351 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: crane operators at the 10th percentile earn $37,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $93,000 — a $55,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $65,637.

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for crane operators across the country.

Crane Operator Salary in Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level crane operator earns around $39,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,060
$-2,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,380
$-4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $37,200
25th Percentile $46,500
Median (50th) $59,846
75th Percentile $76,260
90th Percentile $93,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Crane Operator in Georgia

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Georgia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Georgia

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Georgia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Georgia

How much does a Crane Operator make in Georgia? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Georgia is $59,846 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $37,200 (10th percentile) to $93,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,846, a crane operator in Georgia earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for crane operators? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $39,060, while senior professionals earn $88,350.
How does Georgia compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Georgia's median of $59,846 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($61,133) and Idaho ($60,489).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Georgia earns approximately $39,060 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $61,380. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,350.
What city in Georgia pays crane operators the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for crane operators, with a median salary of $65,637. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.