Crane and Tower Operators in California
Local pay for crane and tower operators in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 53-7021
$79,570
median pay, California
2,130
employed in California
+16.9%
vs U.S. median
+3.0%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What crane and tower operators earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of crane and tower operators in California earn between $66,620 and $100,860 a year; the U.S. median is $68,080.
$50,550
P10
$66,620
P25
$79,570
MEDIAN
$100,860
P75
$135,820
P90
Pay by metro in California
$98,410
$81,490
$79,720
$78,310
$78,140
$77,330
$77,320
$77,130
$40k $100k $160k