Crane and Tower Operators Salary in U.S. (2024)
Crane and Tower Operators in U.S. make a median of $66,370 a year, or about $31.91 an hour. The range runs from $42K at the entry level to $102K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $66K get you in U.S.?
About crane and tower operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level crane and tower operators (10th percentile) start around $42K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K.Top earners bring in $102K or more - a $61K spread from bottom to top.
Crane and Tower Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $130K | +96% | N/A |
| Hawaii | $116K | +75% | 220 |
| Oregon | $110K | +66% | 460 |
| New York | $110K | +66% | 1,330 |
| District of Columbia | $106K | +60% | 50 |
| Washington | $97K | +46% | 890 |
| Montana | $92K | +38% | 90 |
| New Jersey | $88K | +33% | 740 |
| Connecticut | $87K | +31% | 260 |
| Alaska | $81K | +22% | 50 |
| Michigan | $77K | +16% | 1,210 |
| Massachusetts | $77K | +15% | 480 |
| Wyoming | $76K | +15% | 120 |
| North Dakota | $75K | +13% | 220 |
| Vermont | $74K | +11% | 120 |
Track crane and tower operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do crane and tower operators make in U.S.?
The median is $66,370 a year - that works out to about $31.91 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $41,670, and experienced crane and tower operators can clear $102,400. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,590/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 30.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a crane and tower operators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median crane and tower operators salary is worth about $66,370 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do crane and tower operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.