Construction & Real Estate Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Crane Operator Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median crane operator salary in Providence, RI is $69,498 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$69,498
vs State Avg
+$1,930
vs National
+$5,148
Cost of Living
108%

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

Providence offers a median crane operator salary of $69,498, which is $1,930 above the Rhode Island state average of $67,568. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $108,000 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,600. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level crane operator earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
+$3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
+$5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,600
+$7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $69,498
75th Percentile $88,560
90th Percentile $108,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

Warwick, RI
$65,637
Pop. 82,823
Cranston, RI
$64,350
Pop. 82,934
East Providence, RI
$63,063
Pop. 47,139
Pawtucket, RI
$61,776
Pop. 75,604

How to Become a Crane Operator in Providence

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island 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 Providence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Providence

Browse open crane operator positions in Providence, RI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Providence

How much does a Crane Operator make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $69,498 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $108,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,498, a crane operator in Providence earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Providence's median crane operator salary of $69,498 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $67,568. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $69,498 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Providence? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Providence 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.