Salary comparison

Crane and Tower Operators vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Salary Comparison (2026)

Crane and Tower Operatorss earn a median salary of $66,370/year, while Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands earn $38,940/year - a difference of $27,430. Crane and Tower Operatorss earn more on average. Both salaries are based on national BLS data.

Crane and Tower Operators

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

Median salary

$66,370

$38,940

Hourly rate

$31.91/hr

$18.72/hr

Entry level (10th %)

$41,670

$30,810

Senior level (90th %)

$102,400

$53,180

Education required

Varies

U.S. employment

42,000

2,982,530

Job growth (10-year)

N/A