Construction & Real Estate Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Crane Operator Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median crane operator salary in Gulfport, MS is $52,767 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$52,767
vs State Avg
$-644
vs National
$-11,583
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median crane operator salary of $52,767, which is $644 below the Mississippi state average of $53,411. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,767 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Gulfport spans from $32,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,000 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,440, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level crane operator earns around $34,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,120
$-11,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $32,800
25th Percentile $41,000
Median (50th) $52,767
75th Percentile $67,240
90th Percentile $82,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$54,698
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$54,054
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$53,411
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$51,480
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Crane Operator in Gulfport

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open crane operator positions in Gulfport, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Crane Operator make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $52,767 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $32,800 (10th percentile) to $82,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,767, a crane operator in Gulfport earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Gulfport's median crane operator salary of $52,767 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $53,411. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $52,767 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Gulfport? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Gulfport 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.