Construction & Real Estate Racine, WI Pop. 77,816

Crane Operator Salary in Racine, Wisconsin

The median crane operator salary in Racine, WI is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$55,341
vs State Avg
$-3,861
vs National
$-9,009
Cost of Living
86%

Crane Operator Pay in Racine: What to Expect (2026)

Racine offers a median crane operator salary of $55,341, which is $3,861 below the Wisconsin state average of $59,202. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Racine pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Racine's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $55,341 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Racine an attractive option for crane operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for crane operators in Racine spans from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $86,000 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Racine is a smaller market (pop. 77,816), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Crane Operator Salary in Racine by Experience

In Racine, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Racine, WI

Percentile Racine
10th Percentile $34,400
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $55,341
75th Percentile $70,520
90th Percentile $86,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$64,350
Pop. 269,840
Milwaukee, WI
$59,202
Pop. 577,222
Kenosha, WI
$57,915
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$56,628
Pop. 107,395

How to Become a Crane Operator in Racine

Education

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

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Racine

Browse open crane operator positions in Racine, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Racine

How much does a Crane Operator make in Racine, WI? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Racine, Wisconsin is $55,341 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $34,400 (10th percentile) to $86,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Racine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,341, a crane operator in Racine earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Racine compare to the Wisconsin state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Racine's median crane operator salary of $55,341 is 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,202. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Racine, WI? ▼
Racine has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $55,341 in Racine has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Racine? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Racine 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.