Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Crane and Tower Operators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA make a median of $110,280 a year, or about $53.02 an hour. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $114K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $104,610 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,922/month, or 28.3% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $110K get you in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
About crane and tower operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Entry-level crane and tower operators (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $110K.Top earners bring in $114K or more - a $48K 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do crane and tower operators make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median is $110,280 a year - that works out to about $53.02 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,970, and experienced crane and tower operators can clear $114,210. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $110K enough to live in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,404/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,922/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 30% 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median crane and tower operators salary is worth about $104,610 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.