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 Rhode Island

How much does a Crane/Tower Operator make in Rhode Island?

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Crane/Tower Operator in Rhode Island is $56,486 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,138
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,425 to $68,866
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,354

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Crane/Tower Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$68,866	$5,739	$1,324	$33
Average	$56,486	$4,707	$1,086	$27
25th Percentile	$45,425	$3,785	$874	$22

You may get higher pay by adjusting the following factors:

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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:

Adamsville: $57,192
Albion: $56,708
Ashaway: $57,083

Adamsville, RI $57,192 Albion, RI $56,708 Ashaway, RI $57,083 Barrington, RI $56,559 Block Island, RI $56,874 Bradford, RI $57,049 Bristol, RI $56,777 Carolina, RI $56,955

Charlestown, RI $56,975 Chepachet, RI $56,862 Clayville, RI $56,704 Coventry, RI $56,706 West Greenwich, RI $56,863 East Greenwich, RI $56,668 Exeter, RI $56,847 Fiskeville, RI $56,558

Forestdale, RI $56,994 Foster, RI $56,832 Glendale, RI $56,998 Greene, RI $56,907 Greenville, RI $56,580 Harmony, RI $56,653 Harrisville, RI $56,974 Hope, RI $56,593

Hope Valley, RI $57,033 Hopkinton, RI $57,108 Jamestown, RI $56,918 Kenyon, RI $56,948 Little Compton, RI $57,183 Manville, RI $56,783 Mapleville, RI $56,873 Newport, RI $56,975

Middletown, RI $57,000 North Kingstown, RI $56,766 North Scituate, RI $56,653 Oakland, RI $56,935 Pascoag, RI $57,011 Pawtucket, RI $56,475 Central Falls, RI $56,500 Cumberland, RI $56,821

Lincoln, RI $56,556 Portsmouth, RI $56,969 Prudence Island, RI $56,852 Rockville, RI $57,100 Saunderstown, RI $56,883 Shannock, RI $56,951 Slatersville, RI $56,994 Slocum, RI $56,882

Tiverton, RI $57,142 Wakefield, RI $56,932 Kingston, RI $56,910 Narragansett, RI $56,948 Peace Dale, RI $56,925 Warren, RI $56,705 Warwick, RI $56,547 Westerly, RI $57,097

West Kingston, RI $56,928 West Warwick, RI $56,616 Wood River Junction, RI $57,009 Woonsocket, RI $56,997 North Smithfield, RI $56,867 Wyoming, RI $56,951 Providence, RI $56,458 Cranston, RI $56,466

North Providence, RI $56,473 East Providence, RI $56,462 Riverside, RI $56,480 Rumford, RI $56,472 Smithfield, RI $56,586 Johnston, RI $56,492

Company Size	Employees	Average Salary
Startup	1~50	$56,486
Growth Stage	51~500	$56,486
Established	501~5000	$56,486
Enterprise	5000+	$56,486

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

$45,425

Average $56,486/year

$68,866

$3,785

Average $4,707/month

$5,739

$874

Average $1,086/week

$1,324

$22

Average $27/hour

$33

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$68,866	$5,739	$1,324	$33
Average	$56,486	$4,707	$1,086	$27
25th Percentile	$45,425	$3,785	$874	$22

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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.