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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Friction Crane Operator in Virginia is $56,463 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Friction Crane Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Friction Crane Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $72,807 | $6,067 | $1,400 | $35 |
| Average | $56,463 | $4,705 | $1,086 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,897 | $4,325 | $998 | $25 |
Smith Rowe, LLC - Fries, VA
Shirley Contracting Company - Hampton, VA
M.C. Dean, Inc - Bowling Green, VA
Shirley Contracting Company - Richmond Heights, VA
A Friction 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Friction 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Friction Crane Operator | $55,829 |
| Intermediate Level Friction Crane Operator | $56,019 |
| Senior Level Friction Crane Operator | $57,414 |
| Specialist Level Friction Crane Operator | $64,325 |
| Expert Level Friction Crane Operator | $65,268 |
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 Friction Crane 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:
For Friction Crane Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Retail & Wholesale sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Friction Crane Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Friction Crane Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $67,756 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $62,109 | $30.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Friction 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $72,807 | $6,067 | $1,400 | $35 |
| Average | $56,463 | $4,705 | $1,086 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,897 | $4,325 | $998 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Friction Crane Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MEI Industrial Solutions
Chantilly, VA
MEI Industrial Solutions | Chantilly, VA
Crane Operator. The Crane Operator is responsible for operating a mobile crane to lift, move, position, reposition loads, and unload crane accessories from... more
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Prolift Rigging
Manassas, VA
Prolift Rigging | Manassas, VA
Job Title. PLR Crane Operator. Job Summary. The PLR Crane Operator is responsible for providing lifting and hoisting services to customers by performing cr... more
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Kokosing
Chesapeake, VA
Kokosing | Chesapeake, VA
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Prolift Rigging
Lynchburg, VA
Prolift Rigging | Lynchburg, VA
ProLift Rigging Crane Operator. ProLift Rigging is a privately owned, purpose-driven industrial construction company that has a unique, opportunistic, and ... more
6 Days Ago
BAE Systems
Norfolk, VA
BAE Systems | Norfolk, VA
Crane Operator. BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate must be able to perform the following du... more
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Brown & Root
Narrows, VA
Brown & Root | Narrows, VA
Job Title. Operates various power-driven machinery used to move dirt or other materials. May operate all or some of the following types of equipment: backh... more
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