As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Crane Engineer in the United States is $94,333 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Crane Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Crane Engineer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Crane Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Workforce... Level Crane Engineer | $79,211 |
| Crane Eng... Level Crane Engineer | $96,541 |
| Workforce... Level Crane Engineer | $111,667 |
| Workforce... Level Crane Engineer | $115,382 |
| Workforce... Level Crane Engineer | $180,882 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 16.98% |
| Logistics | 1.92% |
| Administrative Support | 1.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Acute Care
|
$99,050 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$98,107 |
4%
|
|
Sense Of Urgency
|
$97,163 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$97,163 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$97,163 |
3%
|
|
Upselling
|
$96,220 |
2%
|
For Crane Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Crane Engineer positions in Financial Services or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Crane Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $127,350 | $61.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $122,633 | $59.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $117,917 | $57.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $113,200 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $113,200 | $54.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Crane Engineer'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Crane Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,180 in 2023 to around $100,670 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Crane Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,180 |
| 2024 | $101,412 |
| 2025 | $100,670 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Crane Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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.)
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