Construction & Real Estate Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Crane Operator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median crane operator salary in Brookings, SD is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$55,341
vs State Avg
$-1,287
vs National
$-9,009
Cost of Living
86%

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

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

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

Crane Operator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

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.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Brookings

Browse open crane operator positions in Brookings, SD:

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.