Construction & Real Estate Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Montana

The median crane operator salary in Montana is $61,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$61,133
vs National
$-3,217
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Crane Operator Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level crane operator earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $38,000
25th Percentile $47,500
Median (50th) $61,133
75th Percentile $77,900
90th Percentile $95,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Billings, MT
$61,776
Pop. 117,116 · COL 96%
Missoula, MT
$65,637
Pop. 75,516 · COL 102%
Great Falls, MT
$56,628
Pop. 60,442 · COL 88%
Bozeman, MT
$74,003
Pop. 53,293 · COL 115%
Helena, MT
$60,489
Pop. 32,315 · COL 94%

How to Become a Crane Operator in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Montana

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Montana

Browse open crane operator positions in Montana:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Montana

How much does a Crane Operator make in Montana? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Montana is $61,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $38,000 (10th percentile) to $95,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,133, a crane operator in Montana earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for crane operators? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $90,250.
How does Montana compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Montana's median of $61,133 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($61,776) and Illinois ($61,133).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Montana earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $90,250.
What city in Montana pays crane operators the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for crane operators, with a median salary of $74,003. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.