Construction & Real Estate Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Crane Operator Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median crane operator salary in Albuquerque, NM is $61,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$61,133
vs State Avg
+$1,287
vs National
$-3,217
Cost of Living
95%

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

Albuquerque offers a median crane operator salary of $61,133, which is $1,287 above the New Mexico state average of $59,846. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $38,000 at the 10th percentile to $95,000 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Crane Operator Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level crane operator earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index 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 Albuquerque, NM

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

Crane Operator Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,785
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$59,202
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$56,628
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$52,767
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Crane Operator in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open crane operator positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Crane Operator make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,133, a crane operator in Albuquerque earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median crane operator salary of $61,133 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $59,846. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $61,133 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Albuquerque? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Albuquerque 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.