Crane Operator Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $56,628 (2026)

Crane Operator Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median crane operator salary of $56,628, which is $1,287 below the North Dakota state average of $57,915. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Grand Forks pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Forks's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,628 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Grand Forks spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,080

$-7,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$35,200	$36,000	$40,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$45,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$56,628	$57,915	$64,350
75th Percentile	$72,160	$73,800	$82,000
90th Percentile	$88,000	$90,000	$100,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$35,200

25th Percentile

$44,000

Median (50th)

$56,628

75th Percentile

$72,160

90th Percentile

$88,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Grand Forks

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median crane operator salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $56,628 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $56,628, a crane operator in Grand Forks earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median crane operator salary of $56,628 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $57,915. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND? ▼

Grand Forks has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $56,628 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most crane operator positions in Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks, North Dakota