Crane Operator Salary in Brookings, SD: $55,341 (2026)

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

Brookings offers a median crane operator salary of $55,341, which is $1,287 below the South Dakota state average of $56,628. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $55,341 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Brookings spans from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $86,000 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Brookings by Experience

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

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$34,400	$35,200	$40,000
25th Percentile	$43,000	$44,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$55,341	$56,628	$64,350
75th Percentile	$70,520	$72,160	$82,000
90th Percentile	$86,000	$88,000	$100,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$34,400

25th Percentile

$43,000

Median (50th)

$55,341

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$86,000

How to Become a Crane Operator in Brookings

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Crane Operator make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median crane operator salary in Brookings, South Dakota 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 Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,341, a crane operator in Brookings earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for crane operator pay? ▼

Brookings's median crane operator salary of $55,341 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $56,628. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼

Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $55,341 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most crane operator positions in Brookings 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 Brookings, South Dakota