Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chattanooga, TN-GA

Median annual salary $45,410 -31.6% vs national
Median hourly $21.83
10th percentile $41,330
90th percentile $84,660
Employed locally 40
National median $66,370

Compare Crane and Tower Operators salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Chattanooga, TN-GA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Crane and Tower Operators
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $41,330
    25th
    $44,170
    50th (median)
    $45,410
    75th
    $72,420
    90th
    $84,660

    Chattanooga economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,666 2023 • Census ACS
    Crane and Tower Operators salary vs area income 66% Median Crane and Tower Operators salary is 34% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Crane and Tower Operators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Worcester, MA $133,820
    Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV $132,560
    Nevada $129,930
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $118,720
    Hawaii $115,870
    Urban Honolulu, HI $115,860

    Nearby metros — Crane and Tower Operators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $66,580
    Knoxville, TN $57,160
    Jackson, TN $56,530
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $49,350

    Related occupations in Chattanooga, TN-GA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,160
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $53,690
    Stockers and Order Fillers $34,210
    Light Truck Drivers $38,330
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $38,100
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $59,950

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Crane and Tower Operators make per hour in Chattanooga?

    The median hourly wage for Crane and Tower Operators in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $21.83, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.47 or more per hour.

    Is Chattanooga above or below average for Crane and Tower Operators salaries?

    The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 31.6% below the national median of $66,370. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Crane and Tower Operators in Chattanooga?

    Entry-level Crane and Tower Operators (10th percentile) earn around $41,330 per year in Chattanooga, TN-GA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,170.