Construction & Real Estate Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Virginia

The median crane operator salary in Virginia is $66,924 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$66,924
vs National
+$2,574
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Crane Operator Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level crane operator earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,800 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
+$2,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $41,600
25th Percentile $52,000
Median (50th) $66,924
75th Percentile $85,280
90th Percentile $104,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Virginia Beach, VA
$65,637
Pop. 449,974 · COL 102%
Norfolk, VA
$61,776
Pop. 238,005 · COL 96%
Richmond, VA
$64,350
Pop. 226,610 · COL 100%
Arlington, VA
$84,942
Pop. 238,643 · COL 132%
Chesapeake, VA
$63,063
Pop. 249,422 · COL 98%

How to Become a Crane Operator in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Virginia

Browse open crane operator positions in Virginia:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Virginia

How much does a Crane Operator make in Virginia? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Virginia is $66,924 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $41,600 (10th percentile) to $104,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,924, a crane operator in Virginia earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for crane operators? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $98,800.
How does Virginia compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Virginia's median of $66,924 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($67,568) and Rhode Island ($67,568).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Virginia earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $68,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,800.
What city in Virginia pays crane operators the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for crane operators, with a median salary of $84,942. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.