Crane and Tower Operators Salary in Illinois
Crane and Tower Operators in Illinois earn a median of $61,820 a year, −9% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $61,820
- vs. U.S. median
- −9% ($68,080)
- Rank among states
- 37 of 50
- Jobs in the state
- 1,220
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $41,470; the top 10% earn over $131,280. Nationally the range is $42,640 to $103,570.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$80,600 median in Illinois
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators$74,830 median in Illinois
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$97,740 median in Illinois
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$79,080 median in Illinois
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$53,190 median in Illinois
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$78,910 median in Illinois
Crane and Tower Operators pay in Illinois
How much do crane and tower operators make in Illinois?
The median is $61,820 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $41,470 and the top 10% earn over $131,280. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for crane and tower operators?
On pay alone it ranks 37 of 50 (−9% vs. the national median of $68,080). Living costs are not included.