Crane and Tower Operators Salary in New Jersey (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New Jersey Median
$100,640
per year
Hourly Rate
$48.38
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+48% vs US median
US median $68,080
State Rank
#5 of 50
1,000 employed here

How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in New Jersey?

Crane and Tower Operators in New Jersey take home a median of $100,640 annually — roughly $48.38 an hour — which runs 48% above the national median of $68,080.

Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $65,510 while the top 10% make $129,570 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $90,020 and $124,700 a year.

Crane and Tower Operators salary range in New Jersey

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$65,510$31.50
25th percentile (early career)$90,020$43.28
50th percentile (median)$100,640$48.38
75th percentile (experienced)$124,700$59.95
90th percentile (top earners)$129,570$62.29

How New Jersey compares

New Jersey ranks 5th 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 New Jersey

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 New Jersey pay ($100,640) 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 New Jersey?
The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in New Jersey is $100,640 per year, or about $48.38 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,510 at the entry level to $129,570 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Crane and Tower Operators about 48% more than the national median of $68,080. New Jersey ranks 5th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Crane and Tower Operators?
Yes on pay — New Jersey pays above the national median for this occupation, at $100,640 a year. About 1,000 Crane and Tower Operators are employed in New Jersey. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), 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.