Construction & Real Estate Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
Crane Operator Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median crane operator salary in Chicago, IL is $68,855 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$68,855
vs State Avg
+$7,722
vs National
+$4,505
Cost of Living
107%
Crane Operator Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level crane operator earns around $44,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,940
+$2,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,620
+$4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,650
+$6,650 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $42,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,500 |
| Median (50th) | $68,855 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,740 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,000 |
Crane Operator Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Crane Operator in Chicago
Education
Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.