Construction & Real Estate Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Oklahoma

The median crane operator salary in Oklahoma is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$55,341
vs National
$-9,009
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Crane Operator Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for crane operator compensation. Crane Operator salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,341 per year, crane operators in Oklahoma earn $9,009 less than the national median of $64,350.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $55,341 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $64,350 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: crane operators at the 10th percentile earn $34,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $86,000 — a $51,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $59,202.

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for crane operators across the country.

Crane Operator Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma 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

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $34,400
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $55,341
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $86,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Crane Operator in Oklahoma

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Crane Operator make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,341, a crane operator in Oklahoma earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for crane operators? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $36,120, while senior professionals earn $81,700.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Oklahoma's median of $55,341 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($55,985) and Kentucky ($55,985).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Oklahoma earns approximately $36,120 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,700.
What city in Oklahoma pays crane operators the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for crane operators, with a median salary of $59,202. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.