Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Washington (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$101,110
per year
Hourly Rate
$48.61
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+49% vs US median
US median $68,080
State Rank
#4 of 50
1,030 employed here

How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in Washington?

Crane and Tower Operators working in Washington earn a median salary of $101,110 per year, or about $48.61 per hour. That is 49% above the national median of $68,080 for this occupation.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $63,180 while the top 10% make $133,550 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $79,150 and $124,520 a year.

Crane and Tower Operators salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$63,180$30.38
25th percentile (early career)$79,150$38.05
50th percentile (median)$101,110$48.61
75th percentile (experienced)$124,520$59.87
90th percentile (top earners)$133,550$64.21

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 4th 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 Washington

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 Washington pay ($101,110) 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 Washington?
The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Washington is $101,110 per year, or about $48.61 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $63,180 at the entry level to $133,550 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Crane and Tower Operators about 49% more than the national median of $68,080. Washington ranks 4th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Crane and Tower Operators?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $101,110 a year. About 1,030 Crane and Tower Operators are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), 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.