Crane Operator Salary in Wichita, KS: $54,698 (2026)

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

Wichita offers a median crane operator salary of $54,698, which is $1,287 below the Kansas state average of $55,985. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $54,698 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,351 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Wichita spans from $34,000 at the 10th percentile to $85,000 at the 90th percentile — a $51,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, an entry-level crane operator earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,100

$-9,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,750

$-14,250 vs national

Percentile	Wichita	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$34,000	$34,800	$40,000
25th Percentile	$42,500	$43,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$54,698	$55,985	$64,350
75th Percentile	$69,700	$71,340	$82,000
90th Percentile	$85,000	$87,000	$100,000

Percentile

Wichita

10th Percentile

$34,000

25th Percentile

$42,500

Median (50th)

$54,698

75th Percentile

$69,700

90th Percentile

$85,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Wichita

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Wichita 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 Wichita may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Wichita

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

The median crane operator salary in Wichita, Kansas is $54,698 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $34,000 (10th percentile) to $85,000 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $54,698, a crane operator in Wichita earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Wichita's median crane operator salary of $54,698 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $55,985. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

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

Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $54,698 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most crane operator positions in Wichita 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 Wichita, Kansas