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Average Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS

Crane and Tower Operators in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area earn an average annual salary of $67,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $71,340, indicating localized market dynamics at play. Factors such as regional construction demand, local labor supply, and the specific types of projects prevalent in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region contribute to this salary differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,920.
  • Outlook: The Gulfport-Biloxi area supports a dedicated workforce of 310 Crane and Tower Operators. With a robust Location Quotient of 7.16, this signifies a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This elevated concentration suggests a strong and consistent demand for crane operation services within the region, pointing towards a stable job market for skilled operators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,800

The average Crane and Tower Operators in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS earns-5.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.6

Weekly

$1,304

Monthly

$5,650

Crane and Tower Operators Salary Distribution in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS

Career progression for Crane and Tower Operators is typically marked by increasing salary potential with experience. Entry-level operators may start at a lower percentile of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$61,640$29.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$50,850$24.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$63,360$30.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$84,750$40.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$83,920$40.3

Detailed Crane and Tower Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,800

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $67,800 in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Crane and Tower Operator's salary in this region is equivalent to that of an operator earning the national average in a typical U.S. city. Consequently, the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living without the financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

1.951

Per 1K Jobs

7.16

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Gulfport-Biloxi, MS has 7.2x the national concentration of Crane and Tower Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 7.16 for Crane and Tower Operators in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these specialized skills significantly outpaces the national average relative to the general workforce. While this concentration points to strong regional demand, it also implies a potentially competitive environment among operators for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Crane and Tower Operators

Comparing salaries near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS

Hiring Crane and Tower Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Crane and Tower Operators make in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?

The median annual salary for a Crane and Tower Operators in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is $67,800. This typically ranges from $61,640 for entry-level positions to $83,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 5.0% lower than the national median of $71,340.

Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a lucrative place for Crane and Tower Operators?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs and a cost of living that matches the national average make it a stable and financially viable location for Crane and Tower Operators.

Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a good place to live for Crane and Tower Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($62,610) and New Orleans-Metairie, LA.

How does the number of Crane and Tower Operators in Gulfport-Biloxi compare nationally?

With 310 Crane and Tower Operators, the local workforce is substantial, especially considering the high concentration indicated by the Location Quotient of 7.16, which is significantly above the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 7.16 mean for Crane and Tower Operators?

A Location Quotient of 7.16 signifies that Gulfport-Biloxi has over seven times the national average concentration of Crane and Tower Operators relative to its overall workforce, indicating strong regional demand.

How does the cost of living impact the Crane and Tower Operator salary in Gulfport-Biloxi?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $67,800 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.

Are there many job opportunities for Crane and Tower Operators in Gulfport-Biloxi?

The high Location Quotient and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (1.951) suggest a robust demand for Crane and Tower Operators, indicating a healthy job market within the region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area with a job density of 1.951 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.