Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Minnesota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Crane and Tower Operators in Minnesota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Minnesota Median
$80,930
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.91
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+19% vs US median
US median $68,080
State Rank
#14 of 50
370 employed here

How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in Minnesota?

Crane and Tower Operators working in Minnesota earn a median salary of $80,930 per year, or about $38.91 per hour. That is 19% above the national median of $68,080 for this occupation.

Within Minnesota, entry-level pay starts around $52,590 while the top 10% make $116,890 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $58,210 and $114,480 a year.

Crane and Tower Operators salary range in Minnesota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$52,590$25.28
25th percentile (early career)$58,210$27.99
50th percentile (median)$80,930$38.91
75th percentile (experienced)$114,480$55.04
90th percentile (top earners)$116,890$56.20

How Minnesota compares

Minnesota ranks 14th out of 50 states and territories for Crane and Tower Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$124,260
2Nevada$115,840
3Rhode Island$104,340
4Washington$101,110
5New Jersey$100,640

Working as Crane and Tower Operators in Minnesota

Nationally, about 43,000 people work as Crane and Tower Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Minnesota pay ($80,930) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in Minnesota?
The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Minnesota is $80,930 per year, or about $38.91 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $52,590 at the entry level to $116,890 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Minnesota pay compare to the national average?
Minnesota pays Crane and Tower Operators about 19% more than the national median of $68,080. Minnesota ranks 14th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Minnesota a good state for Crane and Tower Operators?
Yes on pay — Minnesota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $80,930 a year. About 370 Crane and Tower Operators are employed in Minnesota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Minnesota?
The highest-paying occupations in Minnesota include Radiologist ($708,340), Dermatologist ($625,790), Surgeon, All Other ($568,150), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Crane and Tower Operators salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.