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Average Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

The average salary for a Crane and Tower Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $67,140. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,140 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,650.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Crane and Tower Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,140

The average Crane and Tower Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-5.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.3

Weekly

$1,291

Monthly

$5,595

Crane and Tower Operators Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

The earning potential for Crane and Tower Operatorss in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $48,760, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $81,650.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$48,760$23.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$50,355$24.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$67,780$32.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$83,925$40.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$81,650$39.3

Detailed Crane and Tower Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,140

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,140

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $67,140 to $67,140.

Job Market Context

120

Total Jobs

0.296

Per 1K Jobs

1.09

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.09, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Crane and Tower Operators roles compared to the national norm.

120 people work as Crane and Tower Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

Only 0.296 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Crane and Tower Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Crane and Tower Operators

Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Hiring Crane and Tower Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Crane and Tower Operators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Crane and Tower Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $67,140. This typically ranges from $48,760 for entry-level positions to $81,650 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 5.9% lower than the national median of $71,340.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place for Crane and Tower Operatorss?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Crane and Tower Operators salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $67,140 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Crane and Tower Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($58,290) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.296 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.