Construction & Real Estate Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Crane Operator Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median crane operator salary in Cambridge, MA is $102,960 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$102,960
vs State Avg
+$16,087
vs National
+$38,610
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median crane operator salary of $102,960, which is $16,087 above the Massachusetts state average of $86,873. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $102,960 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $64,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for crane operators in Cambridge spans from $64,000 at the 10th percentile to $160,000 at the 90th percentile — a $96,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,200, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level crane operator earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
+$25,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,600
+$39,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
+$57,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $64,000
25th Percentile $80,000
Median (50th) $102,960
75th Percentile $131,200
90th Percentile $160,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$97,812
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$70,785
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$67,568
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$63,063
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Crane Operator in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open crane operator positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Crane Operator make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $102,960 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $64,000 (10th percentile) to $160,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,960, a crane operator in Cambridge earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Cambridge's median crane operator salary of $102,960 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $86,873. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $102,960 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Cambridge? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Cambridge 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.