Crane and Tower Operators Salary in California
Crane and Tower Operators in California earn a median of $79,570 a year, +17% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $79,570
- vs. U.S. median
- +17% ($68,080)
- Rank among states
- 15 of 50
- Jobs in the state
- 2,130
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $50,550; the top 10% earn over $135,820. Nationally the range is $42,640 to $103,570.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$74,500 median in California
- Pile Driver Operators$110,340 median in California
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators$62,790 median in California
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$87,160 median in California
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$66,910 median in California
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$55,220 median in California
Crane and Tower Operators pay in California
How much do crane and tower operators make in California?
The median is $79,570 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $50,550 and the top 10% earn over $135,820. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for crane and tower operators?
On pay alone it ranks 15 of 50 (+17% vs. the national median of $68,080). Living costs are not included.