Crane and Tower Operators pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for crane and tower operators is $26.87 an hour ($55,890 a year). About 1,880 people work in this job there.
That is 18% lower than the U.S. median ($68,080). It is 10% lower than the Illinois median ($61,820).
Pay range for crane and tower operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $19.37 | $40,290 |
| 25% of workers | $19.93 | $41,460 |
| Half of workers (median) | $26.87 | $55,890 |
| 75% of workers | $32.42 | $67,440 |
| 90% of workers | $51.81 | $107,760 |
Crane and Tower Operators pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $55,890 | 1,880 |
| Rockford | $49,400 | 40 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for crane and tower operators
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 6 months to 1 year (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +3.8% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 3,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.