Construction & Real Estate Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Mississippi

The median crane operator salary in Mississippi is $53,411 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$53,411
vs National
$-10,939
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Crane Operator Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for crane operator compensation. Crane Operator salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,411 per year, crane operators in Mississippi earn $10,939 less than the national median of $64,350.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $53,411 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $64,351 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: crane operators at the 10th percentile earn $33,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $83,000 — a $49,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $54,698.

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for crane operators across the country.

Crane Operator Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level crane operator earns around $34,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,850 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,860
$-7,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,780
$-11,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,850
$-16,150 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $53,411? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $33,200
25th Percentile $41,500
Median (50th) $53,411
75th Percentile $68,060
90th Percentile $83,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Crane Operator in Mississippi

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Mississippi has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Mississippi

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Mississippi's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 67,200 other Crane Operators.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Crane Operator Roles in Mississippi?

Get matched with recruiters hiring crane operators in Mississippi at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Crane Operator make in Mississippi? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Mississippi is $53,411 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $33,200 (10th percentile) to $83,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,411, a crane operator in Mississippi earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for crane operators? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $34,860, while senior professionals earn $78,850.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Mississippi's median of $53,411 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($54,054) and West Virginia ($54,054).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Mississippi earns approximately $34,860 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,850.
What city in Mississippi pays crane operators the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for crane operators, with a median salary of $54,698. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.