Construction & Real Estate Saint Louis, MO Pop. 301,578

Crane Operator Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri

The median crane operator salary in Saint Louis, MO is $57,915 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$57,915
vs State Avg
+$1,287
vs National
$-6,435
Cost of Living
90%

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

Saint Louis offers a median crane operator salary of $57,915, which is $1,287 above the Missouri state average of $56,628. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Saint Louis'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 Saint Louis 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. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, 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 Saint Louis, MO

Percentile Saint Louis
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 Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$59,202
Pop. 508,090
Columbia, MO
$56,628
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$54,698
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$52,767
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Crane Operator in Saint Louis

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Saint Louis

Browse open crane operator positions in Saint Louis, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a Crane Operator make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Saint Louis, Missouri 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 Saint Louis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,915, a crane operator in Saint Louis earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Saint Louis's median crane operator salary of $57,915 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $56,628. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $57,915 in Saint Louis 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 Louis? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Saint Louis 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.