Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Virginia
Crane and Tower Operators in Virginia make a median of $65,400 a year, or about $31.44 an hour. The range runs from $42K at the entry level to $86K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Virginia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $65K get you in Virginia?
About crane and tower operators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Virginia
Entry-level crane and tower operators (10th percentile) start around $42K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K. Top earners bring in $86K or more, a $44K spread from bottom to top.
Crane and Tower Operators salary by metro in Virginia
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $67K | +3% | 540 |
| Winchester | $62K | -5% | 40 |
| Roanoke | $57K | -13% | 50 |
| Richmond | $54K | -17% | 160 |
| Lynchburg | $50K | -23% | 40 |
Compare to other states
Track crane and tower operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Virginia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do crane and tower operators make in Virginia?
The median is $65,400 a year, that works out to about $31 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $41,720, and experienced crane and tower operators can clear $85,820. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,263/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,646/month, which eats 38.6% 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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 $68,995 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.