Construction & Real Estate West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in West Virginia

The median crane operator salary in West Virginia is $54,054 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$54,054
vs National
$-10,296
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Crane Operator Salary in West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level crane operator earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $54,054
75th Percentile $68,880
90th Percentile $84,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for crane operators in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charleston, WV
$56,628
Pop. 48,006 · COL 88%
Huntington, WV
$52,767
Pop. 46,842 · COL 82%
Morgantown, WV
$57,915
Pop. 30,955 · COL 90%
Parkersburg, WV
$51,480
Pop. 29,675 · COL 80%
Wheeling, WV
$50,193
Pop. 26,711 · COL 78%

How to Become a Crane Operator in West Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in West Virginia

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in West Virginia

Browse open crane operator positions in West Virginia:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Crane Operator make in West Virginia? ▼
The median crane operator salary in West Virginia is $54,054 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $84,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,054, a crane operator in West Virginia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for crane operators? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $35,280, while senior professionals earn $79,800.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. West Virginia's median of $54,054 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($55,341) and Arkansas ($54,054).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in West Virginia earns approximately $35,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,800.
What city in West Virginia pays crane operators the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for crane operators, with a median salary of $57,915. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.