Construction & Real Estate Vermont (VT) Rank #16 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Vermont

The median crane operator salary in Vermont is $64,994 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$64,994
vs National
+$644
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Crane Operator Salary Overview in Vermont (2026)

Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for crane operator compensation. Vermont falls in the middle of the pack for crane operator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,994 per year, crane operators in Vermont earn $644 more than the national median of $64,350.

Vermont's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning crane operator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Vermont is significant: crane operators at the 10th percentile earn $40,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,000 — a $60,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Vermont for this role is Burlington, where the median reaches $70,785.

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for crane operators across the country.

Crane Operator Salary in Vermont by Experience

In Vermont, an entry-level crane operator earns around $42,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,950 per year. The cost of living index in Vermont is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,420
+$420 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,660
+$660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,950
+$950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Vermont

Percentile VT Salary
10th Percentile $40,400
25th Percentile $50,500
Median (50th) $64,994
75th Percentile $82,820
90th Percentile $101,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Vermont

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Vermont include Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, and Colchester. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Crane Operator in Vermont

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Vermont has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Vermont

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Vermont's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Vermont

How much does a Crane Operator make in Vermont? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Vermont is $64,994 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $40,400 (10th percentile) to $101,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Vermont? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,994, a crane operator in Vermont earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Vermont a good state for crane operators? ▼
Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $42,420, while senior professionals earn $95,950.
How does Vermont compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Vermont's median of $64,994 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($66,924) and Delaware ($64,994).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Vermont? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Vermont earns approximately $42,420 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,660. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,950.
What city in Vermont pays crane operators the most? ▼
Burlington is the highest paying city in Vermont for crane operators, with a median salary of $70,785. Other cities include Essex and South Burlington.