Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 1,210 employed
The average Crane and Tower Operators salary in Chicago, IL is $68,870 per year. The middle 50% of Crane and Tower Operatorss earn between $48,050 and $78,480. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $137,150 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $43,010. The median of $57,740 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Crane and Tower Operators Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $43,010 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,050 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $57,740 |
| Mean (Average) | $68,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,480 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $137,150 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $297,040 |
| Commercial Pilots | $195,120 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $168,380 |
| Hoist and Winch Operators | $115,410 |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | $97,210 |
| Ship Engineers | $94,590 |
Crane and Tower Operators Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | $135,350 |
| New York, NY | $132,880 |
| San Jose, CA | $116,930 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $113,470 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $113,380 |
| Syracuse, NY | $110,840 |
| Worcester, MA | $110,180 |
| Kennewick, WA | $104,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Crane and Tower Operators salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Crane and Tower Operators salary in Chicago, IL is $68,870 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Crane and Tower Operators salary in Chicago, IL is $57,740 per year. Half of Crane and Tower Operatorss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Crane and Tower Operatorss make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Crane and Tower Operatorss in Chicago, IL typically earn around $43,010 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $48,050.
What do the highest-paid Crane and Tower Operatorss earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Crane and Tower Operatorss in Chicago, IL earn $137,150 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $78,480.
How many Crane and Tower Operatorss work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 1,210 Crane and Tower Operatorss employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.