Average line

HomeGuides

Crane operator salary: How crane pay compares with the national full-time average

Crane operator pay is not published as a single figure; minimum rates from the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020 gives weekly rates for levels MCE1–MCE7, plus industry allowance, giving annual minimums roughly $58,000–$73,000. Actual earnings vary and may be above or below the national full-time average of $108,352.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Crane operator salary: Where it sits against the national full-time average

Crane operators in Australia are covered by the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates for seven classification levels. The award rates are the legal floor, but actual earnings can be higher depending on experience, location, overtime, and enterprise agreements. This page compares crane operator pay with the national full-time average and explains what moves it above or below the line.

Minimum rates under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award

The award (MA000032) specifies minimum weekly and hourly rates for ordinary hours (38 per week, Monday to Friday between 6 am and 6 pm). As of 1 July 2026, the rates are:

Level Minimum weekly rate Minimum hourly rate
MCE1 $1,119.10 $29.45
MCE2 $1,154.30 $30.38
MCE3 $1,189.40 $31.30
MCE4 $1,221.10 $32.13
MCE5 $1,283.10 $33.77
MCE6 $1,309.50 $34.46
MCE7 $1,344.50 $35.38

All employees also receive an all-purpose industry allowance of $63.63 per week, which is added to the classification rate. That adds about $3,317 per year. So the annual minimum salary for a Level 7 operator is roughly $73,231 per year (weekly $1,344.50 + allowance = $1,408.29 per week × 52). For a Level 1, it's about $1,182.89 per week × 52 = $61,000.

These are minimums. Many operators earn more through overtime, higher duties, or enterprise agreements.

National full-time average: $108,352 per year

The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. This is the site's line. Men's average about $113,412; women about $100,594. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, about $52,255 per year.

Most award crane operators earn below the national average unless they work overtime or are in higher levels. For example, a Level 7 operator at minimum rates is about $73,000 – well below the average. But experienced operators in high-paying states or with enterprise agreements can exceed it.

What moves crane operator pay above or below the average?

Several factors determine whether a crane operator earns above or below the national full-time average:

  • Classification level: Higher levels (MCE5–MCE7) require more skills and certifications, paying more.
  • Overtime: Ordinary hours are 38 per week; overtime rates (time-and-a-half, double time) can significantly boost earnings.
  • Location: State full-time averages vary widely. For example, Western Australia average $115,825; Tasmania $96,008. Operators in WA may be more likely to be above average.
  • Enterprise agreements: Many employers have enterprise agreements that provide higher rates above award.
  • Industry allowance: The $63.63 per week industry allowance is all-purpose.
  • Casual loading: Casual employees get a 25% loading on the base rate.
  • Higher duties: If an operator works in a higher classification on any day, the higher rate for the whole day.

State comparisons

State full-time averages (ABS Average Weekly Earnings May 2026):

  • New South Wales: $109,658
  • Victoria: $106,137
  • Queensland: $106,064
  • South Australia: $102,450
  • Western Australia: $115,825
  • Tasmania: $96,008
  • Northern Territory: $103,173
  • Australian Capital Territory: $119,090

A crane operator in WA or ACT may be closer to or above the national average.

Tax on crane operator salary 2026–27

Resident tax brackets 2026–27: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above. Medicare levy 2% before reductions. A crane operator earning $73,000 would be in the 30% bracket, so after tax about $60,000.

How to use this information

This page uses the award rates from Fair Work and the ABS Average Weekly Earnings. The site's tool accepts a yearly salary before tax. It shows a week and an hour on a 38-hour week, plus distance from the full-time average. You can Place a salary on the line to see how your pay compares. For state averages States and territories for more details.

FAQs

What is the minimum salary for a crane operator in Australia?

Under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020, minimum weekly rates range from $1,119.10 (Level 1) to $1,344.50 (Level 7) plus $63.63 per week industry allowance. That works out to annual minimums about $58,200 to $73,200. Actual pay is often higher due to experience, overtime, or enterprise agreements.

How does a crane operator salary compare to the national average? The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Most award-level crane operators earn below this average unless they work significant overtime or are at higher classification levels. However, experienced operators in high-paying states like Western Australia or under enterprise agreements can earn above the average.

What factors move a crane operator's pay above or below the average? Key factors include the classification level (MCE1–MCE7), overtime and penalty rates, location (state averages vary from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT), industry allowance, and whether the employer has an enterprise agreement. Higher duties, certifications, and experience also push pay up. Casual loading and shift penalties can further increase earnings.

Questions

What is the minimum salary for a crane operator in Australia?

Under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020, minimum weekly rates range from $1,119.10 (Level 1) to $1,344.50 (Level 7) for a 38-hour week, plus an industry allowance of $63.79 per week. That works out to annual minimums of about $58,200 to $73,200 before tax. Actual pay is often higher due to experience, overtime, or enterprise agreements.

How does a crane operator salary compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Most award-level crane operators earn below this average unless they work significant overtime or are at higher classification levels. However, experienced operators in high-paying states like Western Australia or under enterprise agreements can earn above the average.

What factors move a crane operator's pay above or below the average?

Key factors include the classification level (MCE1–MCE7), overtime and penalty rates, location (state averages vary from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT), industry allowance, and whether the employer has an enterprise agreement. Higher duties, certifications, and experience also push pay up. Casual loading and shift penalties can further increase earnings.

Related guides