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Crane and Tower Operators vs Transportation Inspectors: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Crane and Tower Operators

Median Salary
$72,700
Average (Mean)
$74,668
Employed Nationwide
41,870
VS

Transportation Inspectors

Median Salary
$81,614
Average (Mean)
$88,538
Employed Nationwide
22,870
Transportation Inspectors earns $8,913 more (12.3%)
Crane and Tower Operators vs Transportation Inspectors national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Crane and Tower OperatorsCrane and Tower OperatorsCrane and Tower Operators: $72,701$72,701Transportation InspectorsTransportation InspectorsTransportation Inspectors: $81,615$81,615

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $72,700 $81,614
Average (Mean) Salary $74,668 $88,538
Total Employment 41,870 22,870
States with Higher Pay 12 31

Salary by State: Crane and Tower Operators vs Transportation Inspectors

Showing 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 12 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 31.

State Crane and Tower Operators Transportation Inspectors Difference
Alabama $60,790
$108,140
$-47,350
Alaska $92,490
$123,120
$-30,630
Arizona $67,350
$62,250
+$5,100
Arkansas $41,600
$85,130
$-43,530
California $79,570
$83,000
$-3,430
Colorado $77,120
$81,820
$-4,700
Connecticut $81,360
$91,520
$-10,160
Florida $71,560
$101,470
$-29,910
Georgia $62,050
$95,030
$-32,980
Hawaii $124,260
$108,270
+$15,990
Idaho $52,770
$54,330
$-1,560
Illinois $61,820
$47,990
+$13,830
Indiana $52,950
$80,330
$-27,380
Iowa $67,600
$116,850
$-49,250
Kansas $77,100
$103,380
$-26,280
Kentucky $62,000
$83,970
$-21,970
Louisiana $61,170
$77,460
$-16,290
Maine $65,690
$63,750
+$1,940
Maryland $87,950
$100,700
$-12,750
Massachusetts $98,150
$79,650
+$18,500
Michigan $59,740
$35,890
+$23,850
Minnesota $80,930
$92,860
$-11,930
Missouri $58,450
$64,690
$-6,240
Montana $82,800
$62,810
+$19,990
Nevada $115,840
$50,060
+$65,780
New Jersey $100,640
$49,250
+$51,390
New Mexico $62,400
$63,690
$-1,290
New York $85,850
$93,420
$-7,570
North Carolina $64,480
$84,470
$-19,990
North Dakota $82,890
$106,330
$-23,440
Ohio $57,620
$77,010
$-19,390
Oklahoma $63,590
$111,070
$-47,480
Oregon $83,260
$78,110
+$5,150
Pennsylvania $65,190
$81,550
$-16,360
South Carolina $64,120
$80,490
$-16,370
South Dakota $71,000
$70,080
+$920
Tennessee $59,410
$78,430
$-19,020
Texas $73,280
$101,440
$-28,160
Utah $67,410
$64,480
+$2,930
Virginia $66,600
$68,610
$-2,010
Washington $101,110
$104,250
$-3,140
West Virginia $54,830
$58,670
$-3,840
Wisconsin $67,720
$75,260
$-7,540

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Crane and Tower Operators vs Transportation Inspectors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $8,913 (12.3%) based on 2025 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 12 out of 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 31 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 $72,700 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 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 41,870 Crane and Tower Operators positions and 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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