Crane Operator Salary in Bismarck, ND: $57,915 (2026)

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

Bismarck offers a median crane operator salary of $57,915, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $57,915. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% 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 Bismarck spans from $36,000 at the 10th percentile to $90,000 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level crane operator earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,400

$-6,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-9,500 vs national

Percentile	Bismarck	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$36,000	$36,000	$40,000
25th Percentile	$45,000	$45,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$57,915	$57,915	$64,350
75th Percentile	$73,800	$73,800	$82,000
90th Percentile	$90,000	$90,000	$100,000

Percentile

Bismarck

10th Percentile

$36,000

25th Percentile

$45,000

Median (50th)

$57,915

75th Percentile

$73,800

90th Percentile

$90,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Bismarck

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Bismarck may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Crane Operator make in Bismarck, ND? ▼

The median crane operator salary in Bismarck, North Dakota is $57,915 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $36,000 (10th percentile) to $90,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Bismarck? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,915, a crane operator in Bismarck earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for crane operator pay? ▼

Bismarck's median crane operator salary of $57,915 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $57,915. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼

Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $57,915 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Bismarck? ▼

Most crane operator positions in Bismarck 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 Bismarck, North Dakota