Construction & Real Estate Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Crane Operator Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median crane operator salary in Charleston, SC is $64,350 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$64,350
vs State Avg
+$7,078
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median crane operator salary of $64,350, which is $7,078 above the South Carolina state average of $57,272. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $40,000 at the 10th percentile to $100,000 at the 90th percentile — a $60,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level crane operator earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $40,000
25th Percentile $50,000
Median (50th) $64,350
75th Percentile $82,000
90th Percentile $100,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$67,568
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$61,133
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$59,202
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$57,915
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Crane Operator in Charleston

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Charleston

Browse open crane operator positions in Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Charleston

How much does a Crane Operator make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $64,350 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $40,000 (10th percentile) to $100,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,350, a crane operator in Charleston earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Charleston's median crane operator salary of $64,350 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $57,272. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $64,350 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Charleston? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Charleston 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.