Crane Operator Salary in Augusta, GA: $56,628 (2026)

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

Augusta offers a median crane operator salary of $56,628, which is $3,218 below the Georgia state average of $59,846. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Augusta pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Augusta's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,628 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Augusta an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Augusta spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 202,081, Augusta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Augusta by Experience

In Augusta, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,080

$-7,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Augusta	GA State	National
10th Percentile	$35,200	$37,200	$40,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$46,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$56,628	$59,846	$64,350
75th Percentile	$72,160	$76,260	$82,000
90th Percentile	$88,000	$93,000	$100,000

Percentile

Augusta

10th Percentile

$35,200

25th Percentile

$44,000

Median (50th)

$56,628

75th Percentile

$72,160

90th Percentile

$88,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Augusta

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Augusta

How much does a Crane Operator make in Augusta, GA? ▼

The median crane operator salary in Augusta, Georgia is $56,628 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Augusta? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,628, a crane operator in Augusta earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Augusta compare to the Georgia state average for crane operator pay? ▼

Augusta's median crane operator salary of $56,628 is 5.4% below the Georgia state average of $59,846. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Augusta, GA? ▼

Augusta has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $56,628 in Augusta has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Augusta? ▼

Most crane operator positions in Augusta 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.

Crane Operator Salary in Augusta, Georgia