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Average Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Texas

Crane and Tower Operators in Texas earn an average annual salary of $69,120, which is slightly below the national average of $71,340. This difference can be attributed to various economic factors specific to the state, including the cost of living and the demand for skilled labor in construction and infrastructure projects prevalent in Texas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $69,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,040.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 6,650 Crane and Tower Operators, Texas demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.76 indicates that this occupation is more prevalent in Texas than the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market driven by ongoing development and infrastructure needs within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$69,120

The average Crane and Tower Operators in Texas earns-3.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.2

Weekly

$1,329

Monthly

$5,760

Crane and Tower Operators Salary Distribution in Texas

The career path for Crane and Tower Operators typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. As operators gain experience, certifications, and specialize in operating more complex machinery, their earning potential expands significantly. The variance in salaries across different experience levels reflects this career trajectory and the increasing value placed on expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$40,060$19.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$51,840$24.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$72,870$35
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$86,400$41.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$92,040$44.3

Detailed Crane and Tower Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$69,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$74,323

Adjusted for COL (93)

The average annual salary of $69,120 in Texas is particularly advantageous when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 93. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a stronger purchasing power for residents, meaning their earnings can go further in covering daily expenses and supporting a higher quality of life compared to living in areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

6,650

Total Jobs

0.48

Per 1K Jobs

1.76

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Texas has 1.8x 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 Location Quotient of 1.76 for Crane and Tower Operators in Texas signifies a notable concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Texas is more abundant with opportunities for these skilled workers, potentially leading to increased competition but also indicating a strong demand driven by the state's dynamic construction and industrial sectors.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Crane and Tower Operators

CitySalaryDist.
Waco, TX Crane and Tower Operators Salary$56,930↓ 18%41 mi
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Crane and Tower Operators Salary$72,080↑ 4%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Texas

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Crane and Tower Operators make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Crane and Tower Operators in Texas is $69,120. This typically ranges from $40,060 for entry-level positions to $92,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 3.1% lower than the national median of $71,340.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Crane and Tower Operatorss?

Yes, Texas offers a competitive environment for Crane and Tower Operators.While the average salary is slightly below the national figure, the significantly lower cost of living enhances purchasing power, and the high concentration of jobs indicates strong demand.

Is Texas a good place to live for Crane and Tower Operators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Waco, TX ($56,930) and Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX.

How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?

Crane and Tower Operators in Texas earn an average of $69,120 annually, which is slightly less than the national average of $71,340.

What is the concentration of Crane and Tower Operators in Texas?

Texas has a Location Quotient of 1.76 for Crane and Tower Operators, meaning the occupation is 76% more concentrated than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Texas?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (below the national average of 100), the $69,120 salary in Texas provides better purchasing power than the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.

What is the total number of Crane and Tower Operators in Texas?

There are approximately 6,650 Crane and Tower Operators employed in Texas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,650 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.48 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Crane and Tower Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Texas