As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator-Crane in the United States is $52,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, an Equipment Operator-Crane's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Smart Recruiting
An Equipment Operator-Crane's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Equipment Operator-Crane's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Equipment Operator-Crane | $50,294 |
| Intermediate Level Equipment Operator-Crane | $51,279 |
| Senior Level Equipment Operator-Crane | $53,496 |
| Specialist Level Equipment Operator-Crane | $54,809 |
| Expert Level Equipment Operator-Crane | $54,973 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Equipment Operator-Cranes. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.64% |
| Housekeeping | 2.55% |
| Installation | 1.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Operations
|
$60,957 |
17%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$55,226 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$54,705 |
5%
|
|
Carpentry
|
$54,705 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,705 |
5%
|
|
Waste Management
|
$54,184 |
4%
|
Understanding how an Equipment Operator-Crane's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Equipment Operator-Crane, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Equipment Operator-Crane | $73,800 | 42% |
| Construction Equipment Operator III | $58,500 | 12% |
Salaries for an Equipment Operator-Crane can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,882 in 2023 to around $49,869 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Equipment Operator-Crane salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $49,882 |
| 2024 | $50,195 |
| 2025 | $49,869 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Equipment Operator-Crane and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Equipment Operator-Crane job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
Crane operating can be a rewarding career, with salaries ranging from $46,800 to $60,200, depending on experience and location. The demand for skilled crane operators is on the rise, projected to increase by about 0.75% annually through 2029. This job offers a solid income and opportunities for growth in a thriving industry.
The highest paying jobs in the USA include positions like Chief Executive Officer, Physician, and Airline Pilot. For specialized roles such as Equipment Operator-Crane, salaries range from a minimum of $46,800 to a mid-level of $52,500, with a maximum of $60,200, reflecting the demand for skilled operators in various industries.
Most certification training courses for crane operation last between 1-2 months. However, many employers prefer experienced operators, so gaining on-the-job training or completing an apprenticeship under a certified operator is beneficial. As an Equipment Operator-Crane, you can expect a salary ranging from $46,800 to $60,200, with a mid-salary of $52,500.
Crane operators are in steady demand, with approximately 48,400 currently employed in the U.S. The job market is projected to grow by 0.2% from 2022 to 2032. Salaries for crane operators range from a minimum of $46,800 to a maximum of $60,200, with a median salary of $52,500, reflecting the importance of this skilled trade.
While a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) isn't usually required for operating a crane on-site, it is beneficial for legally transporting a crane on public roads. This is particularly important for mobile crane operators. As an Equipment Operator-Crane, you can expect a salary ranging from $46,800 to $60,200, with a median salary of $52,500.
Crane operators on oil rigs typically earn between $46,800 and $60,200 annually, with a median salary of around $52,500. Salaries can vary based on location and experience, but these figures provide a general range for this profession.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
