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Equipment Operator-Crane Salary in the United States

How much does an Equipment Operator-Crane make in the United States?

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,607
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,700 to $57,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,784
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Equipment Operator-Crane Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Equipment Operator-Crane Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $50,327
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $51,294
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $53,496
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $54,809
  • Expert (over 8 years): $54,973
Levels Salary
Entry Level Equipment Operator-Crane$50,327
Intermediate Level Equipment Operator-Crane$51,294
Senior Level Equipment Operator-Crane$53,496
Specialist Level Equipment Operator-Crane$54,809
Expert Level Equipment Operator-Crane$54,973
View as Graph

How Do Equipment Operator-Crane Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $57,700.
  • California: $57,500.
  • Massachusetts: $56,700.

Top Paying Cities for Equipment Operator-Cranes

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $65,700
  • San Francisco: $65,000
  • Oakland: $63,600

What Skills Can Increase an Equipment Operator-Crane's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 7.64% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Housekeeping (Mentioned in 2.55% Job Postings): Housekeeping department is keeping the venue clean and sanitary as part of customer service. Cleaners vacuum rugs and furniture in hallways, rooms and public areas. They collect trash and empty wastebaskets, change the sheets and make the beds.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.38% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 7.64%
Housekeeping 2.55%
Installation 1.38%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Equipment Operator-Crane's salary.

  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Customer Service: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Operations $60,957
17%
Customer Service $55,226
6%
Commitment $54,705
5%
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Equipment Operator-Crane Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Equipment Operator-Crane salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,225. While startup companies pay approximate $49,277.

Equipment Operator-Crane Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,277
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,106
Established 501~5000 $56,232
Enterprise 5000+ $58,225

Equipment Operator-Crane Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Equipment Operator-Crane roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Equipment Operator-Crane positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Equipment Operator-Crane as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Equipment Operator-Crane

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$72,940$35.040%
Energy & Utilities$67,730$33.030%
Biotechnology$65,125$31.025%
Aerospace & Defense$59,915$29.015%
MFG Durable$57,310$28.010%

Equipment Operator-Crane Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$46,700
Average $52,100/year
$57,600
$3,892
Average $4,342/month
$4,800
$898
Average $1,002/week
$1,108
$22
Average $25/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,600 $4,800 $1,108 $28
Average $52,100 $4,342 $1,002 $25
25th Percentile $46,700 $3,892 $898 $22

Equipment Operator-Crane Salary Growth & Career Path

Equipment Operator-Crane

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $73,900 42%
Construction Equipment Operator III $58,500 12%

Most common benefits for Equipment Operator-Crane

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Equipment Operator-Crane

Here are companies hiring for Equipment Operator-Crane and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Equipment Operator-Crane

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Equipment Operator-Crane?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Equipment Operator-Crane roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Is crane operating a good job?

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.

3. What is the highest paying job?

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.

4. How long does crane school take?

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.

5. Are crane operators in high demand?

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.

6. Do you need a CDL to be a crane operator?

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.

7. How much do crane operators make on oil rigs?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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