Construction & Real Estate Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Crane Operator Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median crane operator salary in Kearney, NE is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$55,341
vs State Avg
$-2,574
vs National
$-9,009
Cost of Living
86%

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

Kearney offers a median crane operator salary of $55,341, which is $2,574 below the Nebraska state average of $57,915. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $55,341 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Kearney spans from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $86,000 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $34,400
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $55,341
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $86,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$59,846
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$59,202
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$57,915
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$54,054
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Crane Operator in Kearney

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Kearney

Browse open crane operator positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Kearney

How much does a Crane Operator make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $34,400 (10th percentile) to $86,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,341, a crane operator in Kearney earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Kearney's median crane operator salary of $55,341 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $57,915. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $55,341 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Kearney? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Kearney 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.