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Hydraulic Crane Operator Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Hydraulic Crane Operator make in Kentucky? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hydraulic Crane Operator in Kentucky is $44,481 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,786
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,903 to $50,399
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,646
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Hydraulic Crane Operator Job Openings in Kentucky

Key Factors That Influence Hydraulic Crane Operator Salaries

A Hydraulic 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 Hydraulic Crane Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Hydraulic 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): $42,052
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $42,195
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $43,248
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $45,056
  • Expert (over 8 years): $45,303
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Hydraulic Crane Operator less than 1 year $42,052
Early Career Level Hydraulic Crane Operator 1-2 years $42,195
Mid-Level Level Hydraulic Crane Operator 2-4 years $43,248
Senior-Level Level Hydraulic Crane Operator 5-8 years $45,056
Expert Level Hydraulic Crane Operator over 8 years $45,303

How Do Hydraulic 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 Hydraulic Crane Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $52,337.
  • California: $52,138.
  • Massachusetts: $51,444.

Top Paying Cities for Hydraulic 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: $42,947
  • Greenville: $42,799
  • Hartford: $43,023

Hydraulic Crane Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Hydraulic 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, Hydraulic Crane Operator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Hydraulic Crane Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Hydraulic Crane Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services $53,377 $26.0 20%

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

Understanding how a Hydraulic 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
$40,903
Average $44,481/year
$50,399
$3,409
Average $3,707/month
$4,200
$787
Average $855/week
$969
$20
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,399 $4,200 $969 $24
Average $44,481 $3,707 $855 $21
25th Percentile $40,903 $3,409 $787 $20

Find Your Next Hydraulic Crane Operator Job

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

  • Steel Technologies LLC | Ghent, KY

    Crane Operator

    Steel Technologies LLC | Ghent, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. As a. Night Shift Crane Operator. at Steel Technologies, your main responsibility is to operate a crane to lift and move ... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Phillips Tank and Structure | Columbia, KY

    Crane Operator

    Phillips Tank and Structure | Columbia, KY

    Crane Operator Phillips Tank & Structure. Phillips Tank & Structure (PTS) is a growing, team-oriented, nationwide tank construction company with headquarte... more

    6 Days Ago

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

    Crane Operator

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

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

    6 Days Ago

  • Trillium Staffing | Eddyville, KY

    Crane Operator

    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

    6 Days Ago

  • North American Stainless | Ghent, KY

    Cold Mill Crane Operator

    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

    4 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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