Construction & Real Estate Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Crane Operator Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median crane operator salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $69,498 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$69,498
vs State Avg
$-4,505
vs National
+$5,148
Cost of Living
108%

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

Elizabeth offers a median crane operator salary of $69,498, which is $4,505 below the New Jersey state average of $74,003. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% 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 Elizabeth spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $108,000 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,600. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level crane operator earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
+$3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
+$5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,600
+$7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $69,498
75th Percentile $88,560
90th Percentile $108,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Crane Operator in Elizabeth

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open crane operator positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Crane Operator make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $69,498 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $108,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,498, a crane operator in Elizabeth earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median crane operator salary of $69,498 is 6.1% below the New Jersey state average of $74,003. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $69,498 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Elizabeth? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Elizabeth 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.