Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Detroit, MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Median annual salary $84,470 +27.3% vs national
Median hourly $40.61
10th percentile $44,930
90th percentile $97,570
Employed locally 620
National median $66,370

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Crane and Tower Operators
in
Detroit, MI
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $44,930
    25th
    $56,020
    50th (median)
    $84,470
    75th
    $96,980
    90th
    $97,570

    Detroit economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $75,123 2023 • Census ACS
    Crane and Tower Operators salary vs area income 112% Median Crane and Tower Operators salary is 12% above 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
    Lansing-East Lansing, MI $86,600
    Midland, TX $79,510
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $79,440
    Michigan $77,110
    Saginaw, MI $76,750
    Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area $76,140

    Related occupations in Detroit, MI

    OccupationMedian salary
    Stockers and Order Fillers $37,380
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $39,790
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $55,830
    Light Truck Drivers $41,530
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,620
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $60,170

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Crane and Tower Operators in Detroit, MI is $40.61, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.29 or more per hour.

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

    The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Detroit, MI is 27.3% above 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 Detroit?

    Entry-level Crane and Tower Operators (10th percentile) earn around $44,930 per year in Detroit, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $56,020.