Crane Operator Salary in 2026
Operate cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials at construction sites.
Median Salary
$62,000
$5,167/mo
Entry Level
$42,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$85,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Crane Operator Overview
Operate cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials at construction sites.
Education
Certificate
Experience
2-3 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
80K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$29.81/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,167
Crane Operator Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Crane Operator salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Crane Operator Salary
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Crane Operator Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Crane Operator field.
Entry-level Crane Operators earn around $42,000, while the top 10% earn $95,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Crane Operators
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $71,000 | +$9,000 |
| Washington | $69,000 | +$7,000 |
| Illinois | $64,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $61,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Crane Operators
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $73,000 | +$11,000 |
| Seattle | $71,000 | +$9,000 |
| Los Angeles | $69,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $65,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $61,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Crane Operator Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Crane Operator from entry level to expert.
$42,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$85,000
8-14 years
$105,000
15+ years
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Crane Operator Salary FAQ
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