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AB Crane Operator Salary in California

How much does an AB Crane Operator make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an AB Crane Operator in California is $52,261 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, an AB Crane Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,543
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,057 to $59,213
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,229
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out AB Crane Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence AB Crane Operator Salaries

An AB Crane Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects AB Crane Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AB Crane Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $49,406
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $49,575
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $50,812
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,937
  • Expert (over 8 years): $53,226
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level AB Crane Operator less than 1 year $49,406
Early Career Level AB Crane Operator 1-2 years $49,575
Mid-Level Level AB Crane Operator 2-4 years $50,812
Senior-Level Level AB Crane Operator 5-8 years $52,937
Expert Level AB Crane Operator over 8 years $53,226

How Do AB Crane Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract AB Crane Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $52,460.
  • California: $52,261.
  • Massachusetts: $51,564.

Top Paying Cities for AB Crane Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $52,351
  • West Hollywood: $52,313
  • Dodgertown: $52,350

AB Crane Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AB Crane Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Business Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, AB Crane Operator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view AB Crane Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an AB Crane Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services $62,713 $30.0 20%

AB Crane Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an AB Crane Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$48,057
Average $52,261/year
$59,213
$4,005
Average $4,355/month
$4,934
$924
Average $1,005/week
$1,139
$23
Average $25/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $59,213 $4,934 $1,139 $28
Average $52,261 $4,355 $1,005 $25
25th Percentile $48,057 $4,005 $924 $23

Find Your Next AB Crane Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AB Crane Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Phillips Tank and Structure - Steel Valley Fabricators | Signal Hill, CA

    Crane Operator

    Phillips Tank and Structure - Steel Valley Fabricators | Signal Hill, CA

    Job Description. Job Description.  . About PTS: Trusted, Responsive, and Nationwide. ​. Phillips Tank & Structure (PTS) is a growing, team-oriented, nation... more

    5 Days Ago

  • NASSCO General Dynamics Corporation | San Diego, CA

    Crane Operator

    NASSCO General Dynamics Corporation | San Diego, CA

    Crane Operator (All Levels). Date: Aug 16, 2026. Location: San Diego, CA, US, 92113. Company: National Steel and Shipbuilding Com. Job Posting End Date: Un... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Mid State Concrete Products, LLC | Santa Maria, CA

    Driver Crane Operator

    Mid State Concrete Products, LLC | Santa Maria, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. YOU MUST ALREADY HAVE A CURRENT CALIFORNIA CLASS A DRIVERS LICENCE WITH NCCCO CERTIFICATION with TLL designation. Driver/... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Total-Western | Bakersfield, CA

    Certified Crane Operator

    Total-Western | Bakersfield, CA

    Crane Operator. Total-Western, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and certified Crane Operator to join our team. The Certified Crane Operator will be respons... more

    9 Days Ago

  • SRS Distribution | Simi Valley, CA

    CDL Driver&amp Crane Operator

    SRS Distribution | Simi Valley, CA

    CDL Driver & Crane Operator. The CDL Driver & Crane Operator at SRS Building Products ensures safe, efficient transport and delivery of building materials ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • SRS Distribution | San Jose, CA

    CDL Driver&amp Crane Operator

    SRS Distribution | San Jose, CA

    SRS Distribution - - Responsibilities: Safely deliver building materials within a 200-mile radius. Operate cranes and forklifts and trucks. Perform pre- an... more

    5 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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