Crane Operator Salary in Australia
Construction • All 12 Major Cities
Crane operators safely operate cranes to lift and move heavy materials on construction and industrial sites.
Job Market Outlook
Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential
More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia
Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Crane Operator Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $104,500 | $79,227 |
| 2CanberraACT | $102,600 | $77,954 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $99,750 | $76,045 |
| 4DarwinNT | $99,750 | $76,045 |
| 5PerthWA | $96,900 | $74,135 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $90,250 | $70,582 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $87,400 | $68,644 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $85,500 | $67,352 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $83,600 | $66,060 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $83,600 | $66,060 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $82,650 | $65,414 |
| 12HobartTAS | $80,750 | $64,122 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Crane Operator earn in Australia?
The average Crane Operator salary in Australia is $91,438 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. Salaries typically range from $59,500 for entry-level positions to $154,000 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Crane Operator?
A Crane Operator earning the average salary of $91,438 takes home approximately $71,390 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $5,949 per month.
Where do Crane Operators earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Crane Operator salaries at $104,500 on average, followed by Canberra at $102,600.
Is Crane Operator a good career in Australia?
Crane Operator is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $91,438 is above the national median.
How much do Crane Operators make per hour?
Crane Operators earn approximately $46 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $30 for entry-level positions to $78 for experienced professionals.
About Crane Operator Salaries in Australia
The average Crane Operator salary in Australia is $91,438 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. Salaries range from $59,500 for entry-level positions to $154,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Crane Operator salary at $104,500, while Hobart has the lowest at $80,750.
After tax, a Crane Operator earning the average salary takes home $71,390 per year, or $5,949 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Crane Operator Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $59,500, while senior roles can reach $154,000.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Crane Operator roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.