Construction & Real Estate Auburn, ME Pop. 23,926

Crane Operator Salary in Auburn, Maine

The median crane operator salary in Auburn, ME is $57,272 per year, which is 11% below the national median and 9.2% below the Maine state average.

City Median
$57,272
vs State Avg
$-5,791
vs National
$-7,078
Cost of Living
89%

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

Auburn offers a median crane operator salary of $57,272, which is $5,791 below the Maine state average of $63,063. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Auburn pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Auburn's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 89% of the national average. This means the $57,272 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,351 in an average-cost city. This makes Auburn an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Auburn spans from $35,600 at the 10th percentile to $89,000 at the 90th percentile — a $53,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,380, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,550. Auburn is a smaller market (pop. 23,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Auburn by Experience

In Auburn, an entry-level crane operator earns around $37,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,740
$-7,260 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,550
$-10,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Auburn, ME

Percentile Auburn
10th Percentile $35,600
25th Percentile $44,500
Median (50th) $57,272
75th Percentile $72,980
90th Percentile $89,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$69,498
Pop. 68,408
South Portland, ME
$67,568
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$59,202
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$57,915
Pop. 37,121

How to Become a Crane Operator in Auburn

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Auburn

Browse open crane operator positions in Auburn, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Auburn

How much does a Crane Operator make in Auburn, ME? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Auburn, Maine is $57,272 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $35,600 (10th percentile) to $89,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Auburn? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,272, a crane operator in Auburn earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Auburn compare to the Maine state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Auburn's median crane operator salary of $57,272 is 9.2% below the Maine state average of $63,063. The local cost of living index is 89% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Auburn, ME? ▼
Auburn has a cost of living index of 89% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $57,272 in Auburn has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Auburn? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Auburn 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.