Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Texas (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Texas Median
$73,280
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.23
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+8% vs US median
US median $68,080
State Rank
#19 of 50
6,010 employed here

How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in Texas?

Crane and Tower Operators in Texas take home a median of $73,280 annually — roughly $35.23 an hour — which runs 8% above the national median of $68,080.

Within Texas, entry-level pay starts around $42,790 while the top 10% make $93,390 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $57,020 and $79,880 a year.

Crane and Tower Operators salary range in Texas

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$42,790$20.57
25th percentile (early career)$57,020$27.41
50th percentile (median)$73,280$35.23
75th percentile (experienced)$79,880$38.40
90th percentile (top earners)$93,390$44.90

How Texas compares

Texas ranks 19th 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 Texas

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 Texas pay ($73,280) 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 Texas?
The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Texas is $73,280 per year, or about $35.23 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $42,790 at the entry level to $93,390 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Texas pay compare to the national average?
Texas pays Crane and Tower Operators about 8% more than the national median of $68,080. Texas ranks 19th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Texas a good state for Crane and Tower Operators?
Yes on pay — Texas pays above the national median for this occupation, at $73,280 a year. About 6,010 Crane and Tower Operators are employed in Texas. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Texas?
The highest-paying occupations in Texas include Cardiologist ($410,150), Neurologist ($360,640), Physician, Pathologists ($345,830), 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.