How much does an AB Crane Operator make in Kentucky? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an AB Crane Operator in Kentucky is $44,579 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,904
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,993 to $50,507
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,728

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): $42,144
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $42,288
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $43,344
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $45,155
  • Expert (over 8 years): $45,402
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level AB Crane Operator less than 1 year $42,144
Early Career Level AB Crane Operator 1-2 years $42,288
Mid-Level Level AB Crane Operator 2-4 years $43,344
Senior-Level Level AB Crane Operator 5-8 years $45,155
Expert Level AB Crane Operator over 8 years $45,402

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:

  • Graham: $43,042
  • Greenville: $42,893
  • Hartford: $43,118

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 $53,494 $26.0 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 August 01, 2026
$40,993
Average $44,579/year
$50,507
$3,416
Average $3,715/month
$4,209
$788
Average $857/week
$971
$20
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,507 $4,209 $971 $24
Average $44,579 $3,715 $857 $21
25th Percentile $40,993 $3,416 $788 $20

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.

  • Trillium Staffing | Eddyville, KY

    Trillium Staffing | Eddyville, KY

    Crane Operator - Per Diem OfferedTrillium Construction is now hiring a Crane Operator in the Eddyville, KY area. Work will take place in a commercial setti... more

    2 Days Ago

  • North American Stainless | Ghent, KY

    North American Stainless | Ghent, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:The Crane Operator is a hands-on role. The Crane Operator is responsible for operating an overhea... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Phillips Tank and Structure - Steel Valley Fabricators | Columbia, KY

    Phillips Tank and Structure - Steel Valley Fabricators | Columbia, KY

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

    1 Day Ago

  • Vorst Paving | Lexington, KY

    Vorst Paving | Lexington, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. Reports To:  Rail Operations Manager and Management Team. FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt. SUMMARY. Operate and perform preventa... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Vorst Paving | Louisville, KY

    Vorst Paving | Louisville, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. Reports To:  Rail Operations Manager and Management Team. FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt. SUMMARY. Operate and perform preventa... more

    1 Day Ago

  • North American Stainless | Ghent, KY

    North American Stainless | Ghent, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:This position of Crane operator is responsible for all operating function as listed below. Operat... more

    4 Days Ago

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