Union crane operators are some of the highest-paid skilled trades workers in the United States. They can make upwards of $80,000 per year, with experienced operators making even more. Union membership has its benefits, and higher wages is one of them.
If you’re thinking about becoming a crane operator, union membership is worth considering.
If you’re thinking about becoming a crane operator, you might be wondering how much money you can expect to earn. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for crane operators was $55,190 in May 2019. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $86,540, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $31,710.
So, what factors affect how much money crane operators make? One important factor is experience. Those with more experience tend to earn higher wages than those who are just starting out.
Another factor is the type of employer. Those working for large companies or in industries such as construction or manufacturing tend to earn more than those working for smaller businesses or in other industries.
Location also plays a role in earnings.
Crane operators in some parts of the country earn significantly more than those in other parts of the country. For example, those working in California and Hawaii had median annual wages of $73,470 and $68,280 respectively in May 2019 – both well above the national median wage for crane operators.
Finally, union membership can also impact earnings potential.
Unionized crane operators often have better pay and benefits than those who are not members of a union. If you’re thinking about becoming a crane operator, it’s worth considering all of these factors to get an idea of how much money you could potentially earn.
Union Crane Operator Hourly Wage
As of May 2020, the average hourly wage for a union crane operator was $44.21, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau also reported that the median annual salary for all crane and tower operators was $56,690 in 2019. Wages vary by region, with operators in the Northeast earning an average of $51.46 per hour and those in the West earning an average of $39.62 per hour.
The bureau projects that employment for all crane and tower operators will grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
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What are the Highest Paid Crane Operators?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for crane operators was $56,680 in May 2019. The highest 10 percent earned more than $89,490, and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,070. Most crane operators work full-time.
Some work more than 40 hours per week. Crane operators typically need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate certain types of cranes. To get a CDL, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a clean driving record.
They must pass a written exam and skills test specific to the type of vehicle they want to drive.
What is the Union Scale for Crane Operators?
The union scale for crane operators is the same as the prevailing wage for the area in which they are working. The operator’s salary is based on an hourly rate, with overtime pay and benefits included.
How Much Do Union Crane Operators Make in Nyc?
In New York City, union crane operators make an average salary of $127,340 per year. The median salary is $122,880, and the top earners make upwards of $149,520 per year. These figures are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2018.
The BLS reports that there are 1,410 union crane operators employed in NYC. The mean hourly wage is $61.14, and the mean annual salary is $127,340. The median hourly wage is $59.10, and the median annual salary is $122,880.
The top 10% of earners make more than $74.80 per hour or $156,290 per year while the bottom 10% of earners make less than $31.60 per hour or $65,610 per year.
To become a union crane operator in NYC, one must first complete an apprenticeship program lasting four to five years. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically require 8,000 hours of work experience before completion.
Once an apprentice has completed their program and obtained their journeyman’s license from the New York City Department of Buildings they can then apply to become a member of Local 14-14BJ of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).
How Much Does a Union Crane Operator Make in San Francisco?
As of May 2019, the average annual salary for a union crane operator in San Francisco was $84,520, or $40.54 per hour. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $116,490 annually, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $60,610.San Francisco is home to some of the busiest ports on the west coast of America and many large construction projects, so demand for crane operators is high. Operators working in the city can expect to earn above-average wages compared to those in other parts of the country.
Conclusion
In the United States, union crane operators make an average salary of $52 per hour. The salary range for union crane operators is between $40 and $60 per hour. In Canada, union crane operators make an average salary of $35 per hour.
The salary range for union crane operators in Canada is between $25 and $45 per hour.
