Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $57,740 -13% vs national
Median hourly $27.76
10th percentile $43,010
90th percentile $137,150
Employed locally 1,210
National median $66,370

Compare Crane and Tower Operators salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Crane and Tower Operators
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $43,010
    25th
    $48,050
    50th (median)
    $57,740
    75th
    $78,480
    90th
    $137,150

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Crane and Tower Operators salary vs area income 65% Median Crane and Tower Operators salary is 35% 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
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $110,280
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $99,320
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $80,250
    Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL $77,210
    Killeen-Temple, TX $76,010
    Wilmington, NC $75,700

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $40,030
    Stockers and Order Fillers $37,940
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $62,430
    Light Truck Drivers $47,270
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,760
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,680

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Crane and Tower Operators in Chicago, IL-IN is $27.76, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $51.81 or more per hour.

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

    The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 13% 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 Chicago?

    Entry-level Crane and Tower Operators (10th percentile) earn around $43,010 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $48,050.