What are the main factors that influence a Crane/Tower Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What are the highest paying states for a Crane/Tower Operator?

Crane/Tower Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Crane/Tower Operator roles are District of Columbia $60,321, California $60,092, Massachusetts $59,291. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

Crane/Tower Operator Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Crane/Tower Operator make in District of Columbia?

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Crane/Tower Operator in District of Columbia is $60,321 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Crane/Tower Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,580
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,509 to $73,542
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,755

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Crane/Tower Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$73,542	$6,129	$1,414	$35
Average	$60,321	$5,027	$1,160	$29
25th Percentile	$48,509	$4,042	$933	$23

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Key Factors That Influence Crane/Tower Operator Salaries

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.

How Do Crane/Tower Operator 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 Crane/Tower Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $60,321.
California: $60,092.
Massachusetts: $59,291.

District of Columbia $60,321 California $60,092 Massachusetts $59,291 Washington $59,073 New Jersey $59,052 Alaska $58,975 Connecticut $58,224 New York $57,918

Hawaii $56,943 Rhode Island $56,486 Maryland $56,175 Minnesota $55,750 Colorado $55,587 Illinois $55,532 Oregon $55,325 Delaware $55,173

New Hampshire $55,077 Virginia $54,862 Pennsylvania $54,236 Nevada $53,920 North Dakota $53,816 Michigan $53,653 Wisconsin $53,593 Vermont $53,473

Texas $53,140 Maine $53,119 Arizona $53,086 Ohio $53,048 Georgia $52,547 Indiana $52,296 Wyoming $52,247 Utah $52,171

Iowa $52,138 Kansas $51,877 Louisiana $51,800 North Carolina $51,773 Missouri $51,762 Florida $51,550 Montana $51,435 Nebraska $51,326

Kentucky $51,266 South Carolina $51,048 Tennessee $50,912 Idaho $50,858 New Mexico $50,460 Oklahoma $50,373 Alabama $50,051 South Dakota $49,512

Arkansas $49,218 West Virginia $49,060 Mississippi $48,586

Top Paying Cities for Crane/Tower Operators

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:

Parcel Return Service: $59,994
Washington: $59,994
Naval Anacost Annex: $59,991

Parcel Return Service, DC $59,994 Washington, DC $59,994 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $59,991 Washington Navy Yard, DC $59,994

Crane/Tower Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on June 01, 2026

$48,509

Average $60,321/year

$73,542

$4,042

Average $5,027/month

$6,129

$933

Average $1,160/week

$1,414

$23

Average $29/hour

$35

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$73,542	$6,129	$1,414	$35
Average	$60,321	$5,027	$1,160	$29
25th Percentile	$48,509	$4,042	$933	$23

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.