Crane and Tower Operators vs Flight Attendants: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Crane and Tower Operators

Median Salary
$68,111
Average (Mean)
$70,929
Employed Nationwide
42,200
VS

Flight Attendants

Median Salary
$67,619
Average (Mean)
$69,123
Employed Nationwide
98,000
Crane and Tower Operators earns $491 more (0.7%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $68,111 $67,619
Average (Mean) Salary $70,929 $69,123
Total Employment 42,200 98,000
States with Higher Pay 11 10

Salary by State: Crane and Tower Operators vs Flight Attendants

Showing 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 11 states; Flight Attendants pays more in 10.

State Crane and Tower Operators Flight Attendants Difference
Arizona $55,880
$89,230
$-33,350
California $59,940
$79,130
$-19,190
Colorado $69,620
$50,120
+$19,500
Connecticut $81,800
$106,590
$-24,790
Florida $65,020
$76,180
$-11,160
Georgia $63,850
$68,670
$-4,820
Illinois $58,820
$65,040
$-6,220
Massachusetts $88,970
$66,230
+$22,740
Michigan $54,440
$68,030
$-13,590
Minnesota $72,760
$50,120
+$22,640
Nevada $113,220
$54,740
+$58,480
New Jersey $81,900
$48,750
+$33,150
New York $81,930
$69,010
+$12,920
North Carolina $61,950
$61,450
+$500
Ohio $50,600
$65,040
$-14,440
Oregon $106,400
$50,500
+$55,900
Pennsylvania $55,220
$75,010
$-19,790
Texas $70,380
$65,040
+$5,340
Utah $66,170
$48,290
+$17,880
Virginia $65,040
$64,130
+$910
Washington $83,320
$98,710
$-15,390

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Crane and Tower Operators or Flight Attendants?
On average across all states, a Crane and Tower Operators earns more than a Flight Attendants. The national median salary difference is $491 (0.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Crane and Tower Operators earn more than a Flight Attendants?
A Crane and Tower Operators earns a higher median salary than a Flight Attendants in 11 out of 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Flight Attendants pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators vs Flight Attendants?
The national median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators is $68,111 per year, compared to $67,619 for a Flight Attendants, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Crane and Tower Operators or Flight Attendants?
There are more people employed as Flight Attendants. BLS reports approximately 42,200 Crane and Tower Operators positions and 98,000 Flight Attendants positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Crane and Tower Operators or Flight Attendants?
Both Crane and Tower Operators and Flight Attendants are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.