Crane Operator Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $55,341 (2026)

Crane Operator Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median crane operator salary of $55,341, which is $3,861 below the North Carolina state average of $59,202. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem'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 Winston-Salem an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Winston-Salem 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. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, 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

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$34,400	$36,800	$40,000
25th Percentile	$43,000	$46,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$55,341	$59,202	$64,350
75th Percentile	$70,520	$75,440	$82,000
90th Percentile	$86,000	$92,000	$100,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$34,400

25th Percentile

$43,000

Median (50th)

$55,341

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$86,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Winston-Salem

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Crane Operator make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median crane operator salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,341, a crane operator in Winston-Salem earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for crane operator pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median crane operator salary of $55,341 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $59,202. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $55,341 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most crane operator positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Crane Operator Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina