National Salary Overview
VS
Ship Engineers earns $32,433 more (44.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$72,700
$105,134
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,668
$106,570
Total Employment
41,870
7,760
States with Higher Pay
1
23
Salary by State: Crane and Tower Operators vs Ship Engineers
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 1 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 23.
| State | Crane and Tower Operators | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,790 | $96,030 | $-35,240 | ||
| Alaska | $92,490 | $88,190 | +$4,300 | ||
| California | $79,570 | $97,660 | $-18,090 | ||
| Connecticut | $81,360 | $119,010 | $-37,650 | ||
| Florida | $71,560 | $130,480 | $-58,920 | ||
| Hawaii | $124,260 | $131,640 | $-7,380 | ||
| Illinois | $61,820 | $115,310 | $-53,490 | ||
| Indiana | $52,950 | $122,190 | $-69,240 | ||
| Kentucky | $62,000 | $120,550 | $-58,550 | ||
| Louisiana | $61,170 | $103,430 | $-42,260 | ||
| Maine | $65,690 | $77,160 | $-11,470 | ||
| Massachusetts | $98,150 | $122,720 | $-24,570 | ||
| Michigan | $59,740 | $79,170 | $-19,430 | ||
| Mississippi | $61,260 | $98,380 | $-37,120 | ||
| New Jersey | $100,640 | $118,310 | $-17,670 | ||
| New York | $85,850 | $133,640 | $-47,790 | ||
| North Carolina | $64,480 | $65,010 | $-530 | ||
| Oregon | $83,260 | $88,800 | $-5,540 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $65,190 | $80,210 | $-15,020 | ||
| Rhode Island | $104,340 | $119,330 | $-14,990 | ||
| South Carolina | $64,120 | $97,890 | $-33,770 | ||
| Texas | $73,280 | $127,810 | $-54,530 | ||
| Virginia | $66,600 | $82,370 | $-15,770 | ||
| Washington | $101,110 | $107,940 | $-6,830 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Crane and Tower Operators vs Ship Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Crane and Tower Operators or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Ship Engineers earns more than a Crane and Tower Operators. The national median salary difference is $32,433 (44.6%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Crane and Tower Operators earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Crane and Tower Operators earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 1 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 23 states.
What is the median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators is $72,700 per year, compared to $105,134 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Crane and Tower Operators or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Crane and Tower Operators. BLS reports approximately 41,870 Crane and Tower Operators positions and 7,760 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Crane and Tower Operators or Ship Engineers?
Both Crane and Tower Operators and Ship Engineers 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.
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