Hourly Wage for Mobile Crane Operator Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Mobile Crane Operator?

As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Mobile Crane Operator in the United States is $26, which translates to an annual salary of about $54,656.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $32 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $24 to $29 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $21 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $24 10% $21 90% $32 75% $29 $26 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Mobile Crane Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $60,432 $5,036 $1,162 $29
Average $54,656 $4,555 $1,051 $26
25th Percentile $48,933 $4,078 $941 $24
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Key Factors That Influence Mobile Crane Operator Salaries

A Mobile Crane Operator'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 Mobile Crane Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mobile Crane Operator'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): $52,777
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $53,802
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $56,122
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $57,501
  • Expert (over 8 years): $57,673
Levels Salary
Entry Level Mobile Crane Operator$52,777
Intermediate Level Mobile Crane Operator$53,802
Senior Level Mobile Crane Operator$56,122
Specialist Level Mobile Crane Operator$57,501
Expert Level Mobile Crane Operator$57,673
$52,777 0 yr
$53,802 < 2 yrs
$56,122 2-4 yrs
$57,501 5-8 yrs
$57,673 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Mobile Crane 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:

  • San Jose: $68,938
  • San Francisco: $68,260
  • Oakland: $66,746

Mobile Crane Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mobile Crane 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 April 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Mobile Crane Operator

Salaries for a Mobile Crane Operator 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 Mobile Crane Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Mobile Crane Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$49,882
2024
$50,195
2025
$49,869
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $49,882
2024 $50,195
2025 $49,869
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Mobile Crane Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Mobile Crane Operator

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

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mobile Crane Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Mobile Crane Operator

1. What are the responsibilities of Mobile Crane Operator?

Operates a mobile crane to lift, move, load, unload, or position heavy materials or equipment. Performs daily safety and performance checks of crane equipment and may perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating or checking fluid levels. Communicates via hand or radio signals to receive or convey instructions. Identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols. Maintains documentation of activities including time logs and inspection reports to ensure compliance with regulations and operating procedures. Typically requires a high school diploma. May Require CCO Mobile Crane Operator Certification. May Require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

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.

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