Construction & Real Estate Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Illinois

The median crane operator salary in Illinois is $61,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$61,133
vs National
$-3,217
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Crane Operator Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level crane operator earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $38,000
25th Percentile $47,500
Median (50th) $61,133
75th Percentile $77,900
90th Percentile $95,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL
$68,855
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$61,133
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$69,498
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$52,767
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$54,698
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Crane Operator in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Illinois

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Illinois

Browse open crane operator positions in Illinois:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Illinois

How much does a Crane Operator make in Illinois? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Illinois is $61,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $38,000 (10th percentile) to $95,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,133, a crane operator in Illinois earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for crane operators? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $90,250.
How does Illinois compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Illinois's median of $61,133 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($62,420) and Pennsylvania ($61,776).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Illinois earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $90,250.
What city in Illinois pays crane operators the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for crane operators, with a median salary of $69,498. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.