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AB Crane Operator Salary in California

How much does an AB Crane Operator make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an AB Crane Operator in California is $52,257 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): $65,539
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,054 to $59,210
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,227
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): $49,403
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $49,572
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $50,809
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,933
  • Expert (over 8 years): $53,223
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level AB Crane Operator less than 1 year $49,403
Early Career Level AB Crane Operator 1-2 years $49,572
Mid-Level Level AB Crane Operator 2-4 years $50,809
Senior-Level Level AB Crane Operator 5-8 years $52,933
Expert Level AB Crane Operator over 8 years $53,223

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: $52,456.
  • California: $52,257.
  • Massachusetts: $51,561.

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: $52,347
  • West Hollywood: $52,309
  • Dodgertown: $52,347

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 $62,709 $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 September 01, 2026
$48,054
Average $52,257/year
$59,210
$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 $59,210 $4,934 $1,139 $28
Average $52,257 $4,355 $1,005 $25
25th Percentile $48,054 $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.

  • SRS Building Products - Simi Valley | Simi Valley, CA

    CDL Driver&amp Crane Operator

    SRS Building Products - Simi Valley | Simi Valley, CA

    SRS Building Products – Simi Valley is seeking a CDL Driver & Crane Operator to safely deliver roofing and building materials to contractors and job sites ... more

    8 Days Ago

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

    Certified TLL Crane Operator

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

    Job Description. Job Description. Crane Operator – Phillips Tank & Structure. Phillips Tank & Structure (PTS) is seeking a Crane Operator to join our growi... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Messer Construction | SPEEDWAY, IN

    Crane Operator

    Messer Construction | SPEEDWAY, IN

    Messer Construction seeks a skilled Crane Operator to support construction projects in a safety-first, team-oriented environment. You will operate cranes t... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Messer Construction | SPRING HILLS, IN

    Crane Operator

    Messer Construction | SPRING HILLS, IN

    Messer Construction seeks a skilled Crane Operator to support construction projects in a safety-first, team-oriented environment. You will operate cranes t... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Messer Construction | HOMECROFT, IN

    Crane Operator

    Messer Construction | HOMECROFT, IN

    Messer Construction seeks a skilled Crane Operator to support construction projects in a safety-first, team-oriented environment. You will operate cranes t... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Messer Construction | BROWNSBURG, IN

    Crane Operator

    Messer Construction | BROWNSBURG, IN

    Messer Construction seeks a skilled Crane Operator to support construction projects in a safety-first, team-oriented environment. You will operate cranes t... more

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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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