Crane and Tower Operators vs Transportation Inspectors: 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

Transportation Inspectors

Median Salary
$77,996
Average (Mean)
$82,685
Employed Nationwide
19,070
Transportation Inspectors earns $9,885 more (14.5%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $68,111 $77,996
Average (Mean) Salary $70,929 $82,685
Total Employment 42,200 19,070
States with Higher Pay 13 33

Salary by State: Crane and Tower Operators vs Transportation Inspectors

Showing 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 13 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 33.

State Crane and Tower Operators Transportation Inspectors Difference
Alabama $50,600
$78,400
$-27,800
Arizona $55,880
$44,880
+$11,000
Arkansas $49,170
$81,160
$-31,990
California $59,940
$74,780
$-14,840
Colorado $69,620
$55,820
+$13,800
Connecticut $81,800
$78,520
+$3,280
Delaware $59,960
$65,280
$-5,320
District of Columbia $84,900
$97,130
$-12,230
Florida $65,020
$83,350
$-18,330
Georgia $63,850
$94,220
$-30,370
Hawaii $113,500
$90,380
+$23,120
Idaho $75,960
$104,060
$-28,100
Illinois $58,820
$61,450
$-2,630
Indiana $57,510
$65,440
$-7,930
Iowa $59,170
$71,310
$-12,140
Kansas $63,110
$99,520
$-36,410
Kentucky $47,580
$88,780
$-41,200
Louisiana $63,370
$85,570
$-22,200
Maine $62,140
$52,890
+$9,250
Maryland $67,790
$85,260
$-17,470
Massachusetts $88,970
$92,870
$-3,900
Michigan $54,440
$77,660
$-23,220
Mississippi $53,000
$70,790
$-17,790
Missouri $68,020
$54,530
+$13,490
Montana $68,640
$60,160
+$8,480
Nebraska $67,890
$94,690
$-26,800
Nevada $113,220
$95,680
+$17,540
New Hampshire $64,260
$108,700
$-44,440
New Jersey $81,900
$46,750
+$35,150
New Mexico $63,930
$60,130
+$3,800
New York $81,930
$87,380
$-5,450
North Carolina $61,950
$73,200
$-11,250
North Dakota $76,400
$95,630
$-19,230
Ohio $50,600
$75,920
$-25,320
Oklahoma $56,410
$91,100
$-34,690
Oregon $106,400
$91,100
+$15,300
Pennsylvania $55,220
$67,180
$-11,960
South Carolina $55,780
$76,000
$-20,220
South Dakota $67,760
$73,880
$-6,120
Tennessee $54,540
$76,230
$-21,690
Texas $70,380
$81,020
$-10,640
Utah $66,170
$53,460
+$12,710
Virginia $65,040
$77,530
$-12,490
Washington $83,320
$95,730
$-12,410
West Virginia $60,460
$47,740
+$12,720
Wisconsin $61,660
$104,580
$-42,920

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Crane and Tower Operators or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Transportation Inspectors earns more than a Crane and Tower Operators. The national median salary difference is $9,885 (14.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Crane and Tower Operators earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Crane and Tower Operators earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 13 out of 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 33 states.
What is the median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators is $68,111 per year, compared to $77,996 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Crane and Tower Operators or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Crane and Tower Operators. BLS reports approximately 42,200 Crane and Tower Operators positions and 19,070 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Crane and Tower Operators or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Crane and Tower Operators and Transportation Inspectors 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.