Crane Operator Salary in Owensboro, KY: $52,767 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median crane operator salary of $52,767, which is $3,218 below the Kentucky state average of $55,985. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,767 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Owensboro spans from $32,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,000 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,440, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level crane operator earns around $34,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,440

$-7,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,120

$-11,880 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,900

$-17,100 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$32,800	$34,800	$40,000
25th Percentile	$41,000	$43,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$52,767	$55,985	$64,350
75th Percentile	$67,240	$71,340	$82,000
90th Percentile	$82,000	$87,000	$100,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$32,800

25th Percentile

$41,000

Median (50th)

$52,767

75th Percentile

$67,240

90th Percentile

$82,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Crane Operator make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median crane operator salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $52,767 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $32,800 (10th percentile) to $82,000 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $52,767, a crane operator in Owensboro earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for crane operator pay? ▼

Owensboro's median crane operator salary of $52,767 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $55,985. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $52,767 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most crane operator positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky