Construction & Real Estate Duluth, MN Pop. 90,884

Crane Operator Salary in Duluth, Minnesota

The median crane operator salary in Duluth, MN is $57,915 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 7.2% below the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$57,915
vs State Avg
$-4,505
vs National
$-6,435
Cost of Living
90%

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

Duluth offers a median crane operator salary of $57,915, which is $4,505 below the Minnesota state average of $62,420. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Duluth pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Duluth's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for crane operators in Duluth spans from $36,000 at the 10th percentile to $90,000 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. Duluth is a smaller market (pop. 90,884), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Duluth by Experience

In Duluth, an entry-level crane operator earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Duluth, MN

Percentile Duluth
10th Percentile $36,000
25th Percentile $45,000
Median (50th) $57,915
75th Percentile $73,800
90th Percentile $90,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

How to Become a Crane Operator in Duluth

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Duluth

Browse open crane operator positions in Duluth, MN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Duluth

How much does a Crane Operator make in Duluth, MN? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Duluth, Minnesota is $57,915 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $36,000 (10th percentile) to $90,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Duluth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,915, a crane operator in Duluth earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Duluth compare to the Minnesota state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Duluth's median crane operator salary of $57,915 is 7.2% below the Minnesota state average of $62,420. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Duluth, MN? ▼
Duluth has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $57,915 in Duluth has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Duluth? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Duluth 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.