Crane Operator Salary in Australia (2026)
SEEK's Crane Operator page shows an average salary of $110,000 to $130,000 a year, with a median of $117,500, based on pay disclosed in job ads (checked 10 October 2026).
Last checked 10 October 2026. Pay changes, so check the source before you rely on a figure.
What does a crane operator earn?
Each row is one source, shown as that source states it. We do not average or blend them, because they measure different things. SEEK says its insights are based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include superannuation and other benefits, others do not.
SEEK's Crane Operator page covers crane work in general, including wharves, shipyards and construction sites, so the figures below are not specific to mining. SEEK's Mining, Resources & Energy average of $101,358 a year is based on 217 openings.
| Figure | What it measures | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| $110,000 to $130,000 a year | SEEK's stated average salary range for the role "Crane Operator" in Australia. Based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include super and other benefits, others do not. | SEEK career advice, Crane Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
| Median $117,500 a year | The middle point of SEEK's salary distribution for "Crane Operator", on the same disclosed-in-ads basis. | SEEK career advice, Crane Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $90,000 to $150,000 a year | SEEK's 10th to 90th percentile spread. Most disclosed salaries fall inside it, with the lowest and highest tenth outside. | SEEK career advice, Crane Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $101,358 a year average | SEEK's average salary for "Crane Operator" jobs in the Mining, Resources & Energy industry only. | SEEK career advice, Crane Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
Want to work out take-home pay? Try the salary calculator, or read the mining salaries guide.
What affects pay
Roster
No source we checked publishes a roster specific to crane operators. Rosters vary by site and employer, so confirm it in the job ad. A parliamentary inquiry found FIFO cycles run from 9 days on and 5 off to 28 days on and 7 off, with a twelve-hour on-site day typical. The report is from 2013, so treat it as background.
Parliament of Australia, FIFO/DIDO inquiry report (2013)FIFO or residential
No source we checked gives a FIFO versus residential pay figure for this role, so we do not show one. When you compare offers, check whether the figure is a base rate or an all-in figure, and what the employer provides for flights, accommodation and meals.
Award or enterprise agreement
We have not mapped this role to a Mining Award level, because the award does not name it. The award minimums on this site do not apply to the figures above.
Industry
SEEK's Mining, Resources & Energy average for Crane Operator is $101,358 a year, based on 217 openings. That is below the national range above, so the mining average is not the higher figure for this role. Its averages in other industries are Trades & Services $88,746, Construction $86,446 and Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics $66,802.
SEEK career advice, Crane Operator salaryAward coverage
We have not mapped crane operators to a Mining Industry Award level, because the award does not name the role. Use the award's minimums as a general floor only.
Mining Industry Award 2020 (MA000011)
Tickets to check for as a crane operator
Each employer and site sets its own requirements. Treat this as a list of what to look for in job ads, not a guarantee of what you need.
- White Card General construction induction card, often asked for on mine construction and shutdown work. Check the job ad.
- High risk work licence guide Which work needs a licence, and how to apply.
- Dogging Slinging loads and directing a crane operator. Check whether the job ad lists it.
- Rigging Rigging work, such as setting up cranes and hoists. Check whether the job ad lists it.
- Working at Heights Training for work at height. Check whether the job ad lists it.
How to become a crane operator
SEEK's Crane Operator page lists no entry pathway or required qualification. Crane work needs a high risk work licence in the right class, and our licence guide lists the crane classes. Check each job ad for the licence, tickets and site induction it asks for.
Finding crane operator jobs
Search the big job boards for current ads, and read the roster, award or agreement and ticket requirements in each one before you apply. These are plain search links, not endorsements.
Crane Operator salary questions answered
How much does a crane operator earn in Australia?
SEEK's page shows an average salary of $110,000 to $130,000 a year, with a median of $117,500, based on salaries disclosed in job ads.
Do crane operators earn more in mining?
Not on SEEK's figures. Its Mining, Resources & Energy average for Crane Operator is $101,358 a year, based on 217 openings, which is below the national average range of $110,000 to $130,000.
What does a crane operator do?
SEEK describes crane operators as operating stationary or mobile cranes to lift, move and position heavy objects.
Do I need a licence to operate a crane?
Crane work generally needs a high risk work licence in the right class. See our high risk work licence guide for the crane classes and how to apply, and check the job ad for what the employer asks for.
Why is the award rate different from SEEK's range?
We do not show an award rate for this role, because the Mining Industry Award 2020 does not name crane operators. SEEK's range reflects what employers disclose in job ads.
Where to next
- Salary calculator Estimate take-home pay for your roster and classification.
- Mining salaries guide Award minimums by level, loadings and how pay is set.
- Driller Offsider salary $75,000 to $95,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Offsider)).
- Excavator Operator salary $115,000 to $135,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Excavator Operator)).
- All salaries by role Compare the roles we have sourced, each with its source and date.