Construction & Real Estate Roswell, NM Pop. 48,422

Crane Operator Salary in Roswell, New Mexico

The median crane operator salary in Roswell, NM is $52,767 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 11.8% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$52,767
vs State Avg
$-7,079
vs National
$-11,583
Cost of Living
82%

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

Roswell offers a median crane operator salary of $52,767, which is $7,079 below the New Mexico state average of $59,846. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Roswell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Roswell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,767 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Roswell an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Roswell spans from $32,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,000 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,440, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Roswell is a smaller market (pop. 48,422), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Roswell by Experience

In Roswell, an entry-level crane operator earns around $34,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,120
$-11,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Roswell, NM

Percentile Roswell
10th Percentile $32,800
25th Percentile $41,000
Median (50th) $52,767
75th Percentile $67,240
90th Percentile $82,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,785
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$61,133
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$59,202
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$56,628
Pop. 111,385

How to Become a Crane Operator in Roswell

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Roswell 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 Roswell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Roswell

Browse open crane operator positions in Roswell, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Roswell

How much does a Crane Operator make in Roswell, NM? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Roswell, New Mexico is $52,767 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $32,800 (10th percentile) to $82,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Roswell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,767, a crane operator in Roswell earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Roswell compare to the New Mexico state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Roswell's median crane operator salary of $52,767 is 11.8% below the New Mexico state average of $59,846. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Roswell, NM? ▼
Roswell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $52,767 in Roswell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Roswell? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Roswell 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.