Crane and Tower Operators Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for crane and tower operators in the United States was $32.73, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $20.50 |
| 25th | $25.29 |
| Median | $32.73 |
| 75th | $40.00 |
| 90th | $49.79 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do crane and tower operators make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $32.73; the mean hourly wage is $34.68.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for crane and tower operators?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $20.50 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for crane and tower operators?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $49.79 per hour.