Construction & Real Estate Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in Washington

The median crane operator salary in Washington is $74,003 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$74,003
vs National
+$9,653
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Crane Operator Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level crane operator earns around $48,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,900
+$9,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
+$14,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $57,500
Median (50th) $74,003
75th Percentile $94,300
90th Percentile $115,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for crane operators in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Seattle, WA
$95,238
Pop. 737,015 · COL 148%
Spokane, WA
$59,202
Pop. 228,989 · COL 92%
Tacoma, WA
$70,785
Pop. 219,346 · COL 110%
Bellevue, WA
$97,812
Pop. 151,854 · COL 152%
Vancouver, WA
$65,637
Pop. 190,915 · COL 102%

How to Become a Crane Operator in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in Washington

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Washington

Browse open crane operator positions in Washington:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Washington

How much does a Crane Operator make in Washington? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Washington is $74,003 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $115,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,003, a crane operator in Washington earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for crane operators? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $48,300, while senior professionals earn $109,250.
How does Washington compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. Washington's median of $74,003 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($78,507) and New Jersey ($74,003).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in Washington earns approximately $48,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,250.
What city in Washington pays crane operators the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for crane operators, with a median salary of $97,812. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.