Crane and Tower Operators Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay $68,080, Top Earners Over $103,000
Crane and tower operators earned a median salary of $68,080 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $33 per hour. The top 10% of operators pull in over $103,570, while the bottom 10% make around $42,640. These figures come from the latest BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the go-to source for national pay data.
How much Crane and Tower Operators earn
The national mean annual wage for crane and tower operators is $72,130, or about $34.68 per hour. Half of all operators earn between $42,640 (10th percentile) and $103,570 (90th percentile). Pay varies significantly by industry and location. Operators in construction tend to earn slightly above the median, while those in manufacturing or utilities may see different ranges.
- Median annual salary: $68,080
- Mean annual salary: $72,130 ($34.68/hour)
- 10th percentile: $42,640
- 90th percentile: $103,570
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Hawaii tops the list with an average annual wage of $124,260, followed by Nevada ($115,840), Rhode Island ($104,340), Washington ($101,110), and New Jersey ($100,640). At the other end, Arkansas pays the least — an average of $41,600. Also low: Indiana ($52,950) and Idaho ($52,770). The spread between the highest- and lowest-paying states is nearly $83,000 per year.
How to become a Crane or Tower Operator
Most crane operators start by learning on the job. The typical path: a high school diploma or equivalent, then a formal apprenticeship or on-the-job training lasting three to four years. Many unions and contractors offer apprenticeship programs that combine paid work with classroom instruction. Certification is crucial. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers widely recognized credentials; many states and employers require it. Tower crane operators often need additional specialized training for remote-controlled climbing cranes. Passing a written and practical exam is mandatory for most jobs.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship or on-the-job training program.
- Obtain NCCCO certification (written and practical exams).
- Check state licensing requirements; some states require a commercial driver's license.
Job outlook
Employment of crane and tower operators is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 3,800 openings each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. The number of new jobs is modest — about 1,200 over the decade — but steady demand from large construction projects and infrastructure work underpins the outlook. Operators with certification and experience in tower cranes will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a crane and tower operator in 2025?
Based on 2024 BLS data (most recent available), the median annual wage is $68,080. The mean wage is $72,130, or about $33 per hour. Top earners make over $103,570.
How do I become a certified crane operator?
Start with a high school diploma, then complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Obtain NCCCO certification by passing written and practical exams. Check your state's licensing requirements.
Is crane operating a growing career?
Yes, but slowly. The BLS projects 3% growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,800 job openings per year. Most openings come from workers retiring.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Crane and Tower Operators data.