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.

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.