As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Crane/Tower Operator in the United States is $26, which translates to an annual salary of about $54,294.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI Onboarding
Crane/Tower Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,194 | $5,516 | $1,273 | $32 |
| Average | $54,294 | $4,524 | $1,044 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,662 | $3,639 | $840 | $21 |
MAS Medical Staffing - PORTLAND, ME
MAS Medical Staffing - ROCKLAND, ME
MAS Medical Staffing - WATERVILLE, ME
MAS Medical Staffing - KENNEBUNK, ME
A Crane/Tower Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Crane/Tower Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Crane/Tower Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,194 | $5,516 | $1,273 | $32 |
| Average | $54,294 | $4,524 | $1,044 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,662 | $3,639 | $840 | $21 |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningReady to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Crane/Tower Operator 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.
Operates electric tower crane equipment. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and at least 4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Is familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. May report directly to a supervisor or manager. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
