As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerial Lift Operator in the United States is $49,732 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Aerial Lift Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aerial Lift 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aerial Lift 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 |
|---|---|
| Product I... Level Aerial Lift Operator | $44,809 |
| Aerial Li... Level Aerial Lift Operator | $50,086 |
| Product I... Level Aerial Lift Operator | $59,036 |
| Product I... Level Aerial Lift Operator | $60,785 |
| Product Q... Level Aerial Lift Operator | $75,571 |
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 Aerial Lift Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.27% |
| Container | 2.85% |
| CornerStone | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Confidentiality
|
$53,214 |
7%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$51,722 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$51,722 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$51,722 |
4%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$51,722 |
4%
|
|
Android
|
$51,722 |
4%
|
For Aerial Lift Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Aerial Lift Operator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerial Lift Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $59,679 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $59,679 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $57,192 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,192 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,706 | $26.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerial Lift Operators enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Aerial Lift Operator with a Associate's Degree is between $47,367 and $50,672).
Aerial Lift Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 53.3% |
| High School | 53.3% |
| Associates | 26.7% |
| Bachelors | 20.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Aerial Lift 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Aerial Lift Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,243 in 2023 to around $43,152 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerial Lift Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,243 |
| 2024 | $43,542 |
| 2025 | $43,152 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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