How much does a crane operator make on average?

According to an occupational survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2013, crane and tower operators earn an average hourly wage of $24.82. The corresponding annual average wage is $51,620.

Wage rates for crane operators vary widely depending on work location and industry. The top 10 percent of earners in the U.S. make an average wage of $38.15 per hour or more, while the bottom 10 percent average $14.02 per hour or less.

There are more than 41,000 crane and tower operators employed in the United States as of May 2013. Crane operators work in a variety of industries, including construction, mining, transportation and manufacturing.