Crane Operator Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences
Crane operator salary in Australia varies widely by state and industry. Award rates start at $29.45/hr, but median earnings are $3,031/week, well above the national line.
Crane operator salary sits well above the national line, with median full-time earnings around $3,031 per week, index approximately 145.
What is a crane operator salary?
A crane operator salary is the pay for someone who operates mobile or stationary cranes to lift, move, and place materials on construction sites, mines, wharves, and factories. In Australia, most mobile crane operators are covered by the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020 [MA000032], which sets minimum wages and conditions. But actual earnings can be much higher, especially in states with strong mining sectors or in remote locations.
Award minimums for crane operators
The Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020, from the Fair Work Ombudsman, classifies operators into seven levels (MCE1 to MCE7). From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates are:
- Level 1: $29.45
- Level 2: $30.38
- Level 3: $31.30
- Level 4: $32.13
- Level 5: $33.77
- Level 6: $34.46
- Level 7: $35.38
All employees also receive an industry allowance of $63.79 per week, which is included in the ordinary hourly rate for penalty calculations. These rates are a floor; many crane operators earn above award through enterprise agreements or project rates.
Median crane operator earnings
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly earnings for Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators are $3,031, with a median hourly rate of $57. That’s based on full-time workers (90% of the occupation) who average 50 hours per week. Compared to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (index 100), a crane operator on the median earns about 45% more – an index around 145.
But remember: the median includes all types of crane operators, not just mobile crane hire. It also includes overtime and shift penalties, which are common in this line of work.
State differences in crane operator pay
Where you work matters. The on-site reference shows state indices for all occupations, but crane operators tend to follow similar patterns. States with large mining and construction sectors – like Western Australia (index 106.9), Queensland (index 97.9), and New South Wales (index 101.2) – often pay more. Western Australia, in particular, has a high proportion of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) roles that attract premium rates.
Jobs and Skills Australia data shows the largest share of crane operators in Queensland (28%), followed by NSW (24.1%), Victoria (19.7%), and WA (19.5%). The smaller states – Tasmania (1.4%), ACT (0.6%), and NT (0.9%) – have fewer operators, which can mean less competition and potentially higher pay for those willing to relocate.
Industry differences
Crane operators work across several industries, and pay varies accordingly. The on-site reference lists industry indices: Mining (154.7), Construction (not separately listed but likely above average), Manufacturing, and Transport. A crane operator in mining can expect well above the national line, while those in retail or accommodation (indices 75.9 and 72.5) are less common but may earn less.
For example, a crane operator on a remote mine site in WA might earn $60–$70 per hour plus allowances, while a city-based operator on a building site might be closer to award rates. The industries page can help you compare benchmarks across sectors.
How the salary index applies
The Salary Index compares yearly gross earnings to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For a crane operator earning the median $3,031 per week, annualised that’s about $157,612 (assuming 52 weeks), giving an index of 145. But if you’re on award rates, say Level 5 at $33.77 per hour plus industry allowance, working 38 hours a week, your annual ordinary-time earnings would be around $69,000 (index 64). Overtime and penalties can push that up significantly.
What about super and tax?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a crane operator on $157,612 would receive $18,913 in super contributions per year.
For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: nil on the first $18,200, 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A crane operator on $157,612 would pay about $37,000 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $120,000 take-home (excluding HELP or other deductions).
Where to find more
For award-specific rates, check the pay guides on this site. To compare your state, visit the states page. And if you’re looking at a particular industry, the industries section has benchmarks.
Final thoughts
A crane operator salary in Australia is generally well above the national average, but it depends heavily on your award level, state, and industry. The median figure of $3,031 per week is a good guide for experienced operators, but entry-level award rates start much lower. Always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement for your exact situation.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum hourly rate for a crane operator under the award?
Under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020, minimum hourly rates range from $29.45 for Level 1 to $35.38 for Level 7, plus an industry allowance of $63.79 per week. These rates apply from 1 July 2026 after the 4.75% annual wage review increase.
How does a crane operator salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (index 100). The median crane operator earns about $3,031 per week, which is roughly 45% above the national line. However, actual pay varies by state, industry, and experience.
Does super guarantee apply to crane operator salaries?
Yes, from 1 July 2026 the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Employers must contribute to a complying super fund to avoid the super guarantee charge.