Construction & Real Estate Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Crane Operator Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median crane operator salary in Tacoma, WA is $70,785 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$70,785
vs State Avg
$-3,218
vs National
+$6,435
Cost of Living
110%

Crane Operator Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level crane operator earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,600
+$6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,500
+$9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,000
Median (50th) $70,785
75th Percentile $90,200
90th Percentile $110,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$97,812
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$95,238
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$65,637
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$59,202
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Crane Operator in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open crane operator positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Crane Operator make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Tacoma, Washington is $70,785 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $110,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,785, a crane operator in Tacoma earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Tacoma's median crane operator salary of $70,785 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $74,003. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $70,785 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Tacoma? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Tacoma 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.