Construction & Real Estate Davenport, IA Pop. 101,724

Crane Operator Salary in Davenport, Iowa

The median crane operator salary in Davenport, IA is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$55,341
vs State Avg
$-1,931
vs National
$-9,009
Cost of Living
86%

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

Davenport offers a median crane operator salary of $55,341, which is $1,931 below the Iowa state average of $57,272. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Davenport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Davenport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $55,341 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Davenport an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Davenport spans from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $86,000 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. With a population of 101,724, Davenport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Davenport by Experience

In Davenport, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Davenport, IA

Percentile Davenport
10th Percentile $34,400
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $55,341
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $86,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$61,133
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$59,202
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$56,628
Pop. 137,710
Sioux City, IA
$54,054
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Crane Operator in Davenport

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Davenport

Browse open crane operator positions in Davenport, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Davenport

How much does a Crane Operator make in Davenport, IA? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Davenport, Iowa is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $34,400 (10th percentile) to $86,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Davenport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,341, a crane operator in Davenport earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Davenport compare to the Iowa state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Davenport's median crane operator salary of $55,341 is 3.4% below the Iowa state average of $57,272. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Davenport, IA? ▼
Davenport has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $55,341 in Davenport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Davenport? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Davenport 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.