Construction & Real Estate Evansville, IN Pop. 117,429

Crane Operator Salary in Evansville, Indiana

The median crane operator salary in Evansville, IN is $54,054 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$54,054
vs State Avg
$-3,861
vs National
$-10,296
Cost of Living
84%

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

Evansville offers a median crane operator salary of $54,054, which is $3,861 below the Indiana state average of $57,915. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Evansville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Evansville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $54,054 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Evansville an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Evansville spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $84,000 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. With a population of 117,429, Evansville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Evansville by Experience

In Evansville, an entry-level crane operator earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Evansville, IN

Percentile Evansville
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $54,054
75th Percentile $68,880
90th Percentile $84,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$67,568
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$59,846
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$54,698
Pop. 263,886
South Bend, IN
$53,411
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Crane Operator in Evansville

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Evansville

Browse open crane operator positions in Evansville, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Evansville

How much does a Crane Operator make in Evansville, IN? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Evansville, Indiana is $54,054 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $84,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Evansville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,054, a crane operator in Evansville earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Evansville compare to the Indiana state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Evansville's median crane operator salary of $54,054 is 6.7% below the Indiana state average of $57,915. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Evansville, IN? ▼
Evansville has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $54,054 in Evansville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Evansville? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Evansville 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.