Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Knoxville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Knoxville, TN

Median annual salary $57,160 -13.9% vs national
Median hourly $27.48
10th percentile $39,430
90th percentile $80,440
Employed locally 100
National median $66,370

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Crane and Tower Operators
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Knoxville, TN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,430
    25th
    $45,990
    50th (median)
    $57,160
    75th
    $70,460
    90th
    $80,440

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Crane and Tower Operators salary vs area income 82% Median Crane and Tower Operators salary is 18% 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
    Jackson, TN $56,530
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $49,350
    Chattanooga, TN-GA $45,410

    Related occupations in Knoxville, TN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,210
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $56,630
    Stockers and Order Fillers $33,910
    Light Truck Drivers $40,690
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $60,990
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $31,850

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Crane and Tower Operators in Knoxville, TN is $27.48, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.79 or more per hour.

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

    The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Knoxville, TN is 13.9% 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 Knoxville?

    Entry-level Crane and Tower Operators (10th percentile) earn around $39,430 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,990.