Construction & Real Estate Shreveport, LA Pop. 187,593

Crane Operator Salary in Shreveport, Louisiana

The median crane operator salary in Shreveport, LA is $54,698 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 6.6% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$54,698
vs State Avg
$-3,861
vs National
$-9,652
Cost of Living
85%

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

Shreveport offers a median crane operator salary of $54,698, which is $3,861 below the Louisiana state average of $58,559. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Shreveport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Shreveport'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 Shreveport an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Shreveport 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 187,593, Shreveport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Shreveport by Experience

In Shreveport, 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

Salary Percentiles in Shreveport, LA

Percentile Shreveport
10th Percentile $34,000
25th Percentile $42,500
Median (50th) $54,698
75th Percentile $69,700
90th Percentile $85,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$63,063
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$59,202
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$56,628
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$55,341
Pop. 80,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Shreveport

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Shreveport

Browse open crane operator positions in Shreveport, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Shreveport

How much does a Crane Operator make in Shreveport, LA? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Shreveport, Louisiana 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 Shreveport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,698, a crane operator in Shreveport earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Shreveport compare to the Louisiana state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Shreveport's median crane operator salary of $54,698 is 6.6% below the Louisiana state average of $58,559. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Shreveport, LA? ▼
Shreveport has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $54,698 in Shreveport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Shreveport? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Shreveport 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.