Construction & Real Estate Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Kansas

The median crane operator salary in Kansas is $55,985 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$55,985
vs National
$-8,365
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Crane Operator Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for crane operator compensation. Crane Operator salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,985 per year, crane operators in Kansas earn $8,365 less than the national median of $64,350.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $55,985 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $64,351 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: crane operators at the 10th percentile earn $34,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,000 — a $52,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $61,776.

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for crane operators across the country.

Crane Operator Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,540
$-5,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,420
$-8,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $34,800
25th Percentile $43,500
Median (50th) $55,985
75th Percentile $71,340
90th Percentile $87,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Crane Operator in Kansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Kansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Kansas

How much does a Crane Operator make in Kansas? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Kansas is $55,985 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $34,800 (10th percentile) to $87,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,985, a crane operator in Kansas earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for crane operators? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $36,540, while senior professionals earn $82,650.
How does Kansas compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Kansas's median of $55,985 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($56,628) and Alabama ($55,985).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Kansas earns approximately $36,540 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,650.
What city in Kansas pays crane operators the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for crane operators, with a median salary of $61,776. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.