Construction & Real Estate Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Kentucky

The median crane operator salary in Kentucky 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
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Crane Operator Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY 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 Kentucky

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$59,202
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$59,846
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$54,054
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$52,767
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$56,628
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Crane Operator in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open crane operator positions in Kentucky:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Crane Operator make in Kentucky? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Kentucky 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 Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,985, a crane operator in Kentucky earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for crane operators? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 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 Kentucky compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Kentucky's median of $55,985 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($55,985) and Kansas ($55,985).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Kentucky 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 Kentucky pays crane operators the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for crane operators, with a median salary of $59,846. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.