Construction & Real Estate New Mexico (NM) Rank #28 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in New Mexico

The median crane operator salary in New Mexico is $59,846 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$59,846
vs National
$-4,504
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Crane Operator Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level crane operator earns around $39,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,060
$-2,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,380
$-4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $37,200
25th Percentile $46,500
Median (50th) $59,846
75th Percentile $76,260
90th Percentile $93,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for crane operators in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Albuquerque, NM
$61,133
Pop. 564,559 · COL 95%
Las Cruces, NM
$56,628
Pop. 111,385 · COL 88%
Rio Rancho, NM
$59,202
Pop. 104,046 · COL 92%
Santa Fe, NM
$70,785
Pop. 87,505 · COL 110%
Roswell, NM
$52,767
Pop. 48,422 · COL 82%

How to Become a Crane Operator in New Mexico

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in New Mexico

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in New Mexico

Browse open crane operator positions in New Mexico:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Crane Operator make in New Mexico? ▼
The median crane operator salary in New Mexico is $59,846 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $37,200 (10th percentile) to $93,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,846, a crane operator in New Mexico earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for crane operators? ▼
New Mexico ranks #28 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $39,060, while senior professionals earn $88,350.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. New Mexico's median of $59,846 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($60,489) and Georgia ($59,846).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in New Mexico earns approximately $39,060 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $61,380. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,350.
What city in New Mexico pays crane operators the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for crane operators, with a median salary of $70,785. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.