Crane and Tower Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Crane and Tower Operators Make?
Crane and Tower Operators earn a median annual salary of $66,370 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $41,670 at the 10th percentile to $102,400 at the 90th percentile — a range of $60,730. The highest-paying state is Nevada at $129,930.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,670 |
| 25th percentile | $50,970 |
| Median (50th) | $66,370 |
| 75th percentile | $81,630 |
| 90th percentile | $102,400 |
Crane and Tower Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Nevadatop | $129,930 |
| Hawaii | $115,870 |
| Oregon | $110,280 |
| New York | $110,000 |
| District of Columbia | $106,150 |
| Washington | $96,870 |
| Montana | $91,520 |
| New Jersey | $88,470 |
| Connecticut | $86,830 |
| Alaska | $80,900 |
| Michigan | $77,110 |
| Massachusetts | $76,640 |
| Wyoming | $76,110 |
| North Dakota | $74,880 |
| Colorado | $74,140 |
| Vermont | $73,840 |
| Idaho | $73,480 |
| Texas | $72,870 |
| Oklahoma | $71,500 |
| South Dakota | $70,400 |
| Florida | $70,130 |
| California | $69,970 |
| Utah | $69,020 |
| Wisconsin | $68,310 |
| Arizona | $67,960 |
| Minnesota | $67,320 |
| Georgia | $67,230 |
| Maryland | $66,800 |
| Nebraska | $66,800 |
| Virginia | $65,400 |
| Kansas | $64,430 |
| New Hampshire | $63,410 |
| Delaware | $62,820 |
| Mississippi | $62,510 |
| Ohio | $62,460 |
| North Carolina | $62,060 |
| Maine | $61,320 |
| Louisiana | $61,130 |
| New Mexico | $60,950 |
| Indiana | $57,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,760 |
| Tennessee | $56,530 |
| Iowa | $55,620 |
| South Carolina | $55,410 |
| Kentucky | $55,100 |
| West Virginia | $54,650 |
| Illinois | $53,240 |
| Alabama | $47,620 |
| Missouri | $46,580 |
| Arkansas | $42,170 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Crane and Tower Operators
Crane and Tower Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$41,670 – $50,970 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$66,370 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$81,630 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $102,400+ |
How to Earn More as a Crane and Tower Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Crane and Tower Operators in Hawaii earn $115,870 — $49,500 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($81,630) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Crane and Tower Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Crane and Tower Operatorthis career | $66,370 |
| Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,700 |
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SOC: 53-7021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.