Position
Salary

How much does a Crane Operator make?

The average salary for a Crane Operator is $52,792 per year in the US.

Crane operators play a vital role in many industries, from construction to manufacturing. They use large machines to move heavy materials. This job requires skill and attention to safety. The average yearly salary for a crane operator is around $52,792. This means that, on average, crane operators earn a good living.

The salary for crane operators can vary based on experience and location. Some operators start with a lower salary, while others with more experience can earn more. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $33,000
  • Mid-level: $53,727
  • Senior-level: $84,818

View Crane Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Crane Operator?

Crane operators can find some of the best pay in Fort Collins, CO, where the average salary reaches $75,654. Boston, MA, and Manchester, NH, also offer strong salaries, with averages of $74,509 and $74,471, respectively. Job seekers looking for high earnings may want to consider these cities for crane operator positions.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Crane Operator jobs, highlighting Fort Collins, CO with the highest at $75,654 and Billings, MT with the lowest at $66,947.
  1. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $75,654
    In Fort Collins, crane operators find work in construction and manufacturing. Companies like Vail Resorts and Ball Corporation offer steady jobs. The city's growing economy provides many opportunities.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $74,509
    Boston offers crane operators many job opportunities in construction and shipping. Major companies like General Dynamics and Raytheon Technologies need skilled workers. The city's port activity keeps demand high.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $74,471
    Manchester has a strong demand for crane operators in its industrial sector. Companies like BAE Systems and BAE Systems need skilled operators. The city's logistics hub offers many job openings.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Manchester, NH


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $71,006
    In Washington, DC, crane operators work on government projects and construction sites. Firms like AECOM and Parsons Corporation offer many jobs. The city's infrastructure projects provide steady work.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Baton Rouge, LA
    Average Salary: $70,382
    Baton Rouge offers crane operator jobs in the energy and construction sectors. Companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron need skilled workers. The city's industrial growth creates many opportunities.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA


  6. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $69,841
    Colorado Springs has a growing need for crane operators in construction and defense. Firms like Lockheed Martin and Peterson Companies offer many jobs. The city's expanding economy provides steady work.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $69,142
    San Diego offers crane operator jobs in construction and maritime sectors. Companies like General Dynamics and BAE Systems need skilled workers. The city's port activity keeps demand high.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Fort Myers, FL
    Average Salary: $67,941
    In Fort Myers, crane operators find work in construction and tourism. Companies like Lennar and Calida need skilled workers. The city's growing population creates many job opportunities.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Fort Myers, FL


  9. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $67,092
    Baltimore offers crane operator jobs in construction and shipping. Firms like Under Armour and Maersk need skilled workers. The city's port activity provides many job openings.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Baltimore, MD


  10. Billings, MT
    Average Salary: $66,947
    Billings has a strong demand for crane operators in the energy and construction sectors. Companies like ConocoPhillips and Yellowstone Pipeline Company need skilled workers. The city's industrial growth creates many opportunities.
    Find Crane Operator jobs in Billings, MT

What are the best companies a Crane Operator can work for?

Job seekers looking for crane operator roles can find top-paying opportunities with Savard Labor & Marine Staffing, offering an average salary of $116,907. RMS Cranes and LPR CONSTRUCTION also provide competitive salaries, averaging $90,978 and $85,118 respectively. These companies stand out for their attractive compensation packages, making them excellent choices for those seeking rewarding careers in crane operation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Crane Operator jobs, highlighting Savard Labor & Marine Staffing with the highest at $116,907 and Sundt Construction, Inc. with the lowest at $73,855.
  1. Savard Labor & Marine Staffing
    Average Salary: $116,907
    Savard Labor & Marine Staffing offers competitive salaries for Crane Operators. They provide job opportunities in various locations, including Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. Their Crane Operators work on a variety of projects, ensuring safety and efficiency.


  2. RMS Cranes
    Average Salary: $90,978
    RMS Cranes is known for its high-paying jobs for Crane Operators. They operate in several states, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. RMS Cranes values skilled operators who can handle large and complex projects.


  3. LPR CONSTRUCTION
    Average Salary: $85,118
    LPR CONSTRUCTION offers attractive salaries for Crane Operators. They work in states like California, Arizona, and Nevada. LPR CONSTRUCTION focuses on providing safe and reliable crane services for their clients.


  4. Kokosing Construction
    Average Salary: $82,183
    Kokosing Construction provides good compensation for Crane Operators. They operate in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Kokosing Construction emphasizes teamwork and safety in their crane operations.


  5. Curtin Maritime
    Average Salary: $79,266
    Curtin Maritime offers competitive salaries for Crane Operators. They work in ports across the United States. Curtin Maritime is known for its focus on maritime safety and efficiency.


  6. Sterling Crane
    Average Salary: $75,770
    Sterling Crane provides good pay for Crane Operators. They operate in several states, including Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Sterling Crane values skilled operators who can handle a variety of projects.


  7. MasTec Industrial
    Average Salary: $75,657
    MasTec Industrial offers competitive salaries for Crane Operators. They work in states like Florida, Texas, and California. MasTec Industrial focuses on providing reliable crane services for their clients.


  8. PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC
    Average Salary: $75,181
    PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC offers good pay for Crane Operators. They operate in several states, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC emphasizes safety and efficiency in their crane operations.


  9. Tradesmen International
    Average Salary: $74,556
    Tradesmen International provides competitive salaries for Crane Operators. They work in states like Florida, Texas, and California. Tradesmen International values skilled operators who can handle a variety of projects.


  10. Sundt Construction, Inc.
    Average Salary: $73,855
    Sundt Construction, Inc. offers good pay for Crane Operators. They operate in several states, including California, Arizona, and Nevada. Sundt Construction, Inc. emphasizes safety and teamwork in their crane operations.

How to earn more as a Crane Operator?

Becoming a Crane Operator can lead to a rewarding career with good earning potential. To maximize your earnings, consider these key factors. Gaining experience and expertise in operating different types of cranes can open up higher-paying opportunities. Specializing in complex or hazardous environments often commands higher wages. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest safety and technology standards can also boost your earning potential.

Networking with other professionals in the industry can lead to job referrals and better-paying positions. Seeking out employers who offer competitive pay and benefits can make a significant difference. Lastly, consider pursuing additional certifications or licenses that can enhance your skills and marketability. These steps can help you earn more as a Crane Operator.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more in this role:

  1. Gain experience and expertise in crane operations.
  2. Specialize in complex or hazardous environments.
  3. Continuously learn and stay updated with industry standards.
  4. Network with other professionals in the industry.
  5. Pursue additional certifications or licenses.

Currently 748 Crane Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Crane Operator in the US?

Learn what a Crane Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Crane Operator today.
Position
Overview
Crane Operator
748 Job Openings