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

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.