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Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$61,820
Median Annual Salary
▲
+16.1% vs 2024
$71,380
Mean Salary
$61,820
Median Salary
$29.72
Hourly Rate
1,220 people work as Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois
Crane and Tower Operators salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois earn a median salary of $61,820 per year ($5,151/month).
This is 15.0% below the national average of $72,701.
Illinois ranks #37 out of 50 states for Crane and Tower Operators pay.
Approximately 1,220 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 16.1% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Crane and Tower Operators
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
3.88
Operations Monitoring
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.25
Active Listening
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
3.55
Mathematics
3.0
Transportation
2.93
English Language
2.91
Public Safety and Security
2.77
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
(60.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois
Salaries for Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois range from $41,470 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $131,280 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,170 and $83,030.
Median $61,820
P10: $41,470P25: $46,170P75: $83,030P90: $131,280
10th
$41,470
25th
$46,170
Median
$61,820
75th
$83,030
90th
$131,280
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$41,470
$19.94
$3,455
25th Percentile
$46,170
$22.20
$3,847
Median (50th)
$61,820
$29.72
$5,151
75th Percentile
$83,030
$39.92
$6,919
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$131,280
$63.12
$10,940
Note: The mean (average) salary of $71,380 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois is $61,820 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $71,380.
What is the salary range for a Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois?
Salaries for Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois range from $41,470 at the 10th percentile to $131,280 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,170 and $83,030.
What is the starting salary for a Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois?
Entry-level Crane and Tower Operators positions in Illinois typically start around $41,470 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,220 people are employed as Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois is approximately $29.72 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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