Crane Operator Salary in Topeka, KS: $53,411 (2026)

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

Topeka offers a median crane operator salary of $53,411, which is $2,574 below the Kansas state average of $55,985. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $53,411 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,351 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Topeka spans from $33,200 at the 10th percentile to $83,000 at the 90th percentile — a $49,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,860, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,850. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level crane operator earns around $34,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,860

$-7,140 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,780

$-11,220 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,850

$-16,150 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$33,200	$34,800	$40,000
25th Percentile	$41,500	$43,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$53,411	$55,985	$64,350
75th Percentile	$68,060	$71,340	$82,000
90th Percentile	$83,000	$87,000	$100,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$33,200

25th Percentile

$41,500

Median (50th)

$53,411

75th Percentile

$68,060

90th Percentile

$83,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Topeka

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Topeka

How much does a Crane Operator make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median crane operator salary in Topeka, Kansas is $53,411 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $33,200 (10th percentile) to $83,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,411, a crane operator in Topeka earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for crane operator pay? ▼

Topeka's median crane operator salary of $53,411 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $55,985. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $53,411 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Topeka? ▼

Most crane operator positions in Topeka 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.

Crane Operator Salary in Topeka, Kansas