Construction & Real Estate Saint Paul, MN Pop. 311,527

Crane Operator Salary in Saint Paul, Minnesota

The median crane operator salary in Saint Paul, MN is $64,350 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.1% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$64,350
vs State Avg
+$1,930
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Crane Operator Pay in Saint Paul: What to Expect (2026)

Saint Paul offers a median crane operator salary of $64,350, which is $1,930 above the Minnesota state average of $62,420. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Saint Paul pays above average for this role.

Saint Paul's cost of living is 100% 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 Saint Paul spans from $40,000 at the 10th percentile to $100,000 at the 90th percentile — a $60,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,000. With a population of 311,527, Saint Paul is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Saint Paul by Experience

In Saint Paul, an entry-level crane operator earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Paul, MN

Percentile Saint Paul
10th Percentile $40,000
25th Percentile $50,000
Median (50th) $64,350
75th Percentile $82,000
90th Percentile $100,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

How to Become a Crane Operator in Saint Paul

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Saint Paul

Browse open crane operator positions in Saint Paul, MN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Saint Paul

How much does a Crane Operator make in Saint Paul, MN? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Saint Paul, Minnesota is $64,350 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $40,000 (10th percentile) to $100,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Saint Paul? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,350, a crane operator in Saint Paul earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Paul compare to the Minnesota state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Saint Paul's median crane operator salary of $64,350 is 3.1% above the Minnesota state average of $62,420. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Paul, MN? ▼
Saint Paul has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $64,350 in Saint Paul has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Saint Paul? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Saint Paul 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.