Construction & Real Estate Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Crane Operator Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median crane operator salary in Columbia, SC is $57,915 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$57,915
vs State Avg
+$643
vs National
$-6,435
Cost of Living
90%

Crane Operator Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $36,000
25th Percentile $45,000
Median (50th) $57,915
75th Percentile $73,800
90th Percentile $90,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Crane Operator in Columbia

Education

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