Crane operator salary in Australia: the Mobile Crane Hiring Award minimum for every level from 1 July 2026, what each level covers, casual rates, what crane operators actually earn according to the ATO, and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A crane operator earns at least $31.13 an hour ($61,510 a year) at Mobile crane employee level 1 (MCE1), up to $37.06 ($73,231) at Mobile crane employee level 7 (MCE7). The ATO median for crane operators was $120,763 in 2023-24.
Mobile crane operators, riggers and doggers in the crane hire industry are paid under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award, with the level set by the size and type of crane they're qualified to operate. Tower crane operators on building sites are usually under the Building and Construction award or a site agreement instead.
Crane operator award pay rates
| Level and what it covers | Hourly | Casual hourly | Per year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile crane employee level 1 (MCE1) Dogger, counterweight or gear truck driver, elevating work platform up to 17m, slew crane up to 20 tonnes | $31.13 | $38.91 | $61,510 | $1,976 |
| Mobile crane employee level 2 (MCE2) Slew crane 21 to 60 tonnes, Franna (non-slew) crane, basic rigger, elevating work platform 17m to 28m | $32.06 | $40.08 | $63,341 | $2,023 |
| Mobile crane employee level 3 (MCE3) Slew crane 61 to 100 tonnes, intermediate rigger, elevating work platform 28m and above | $32.98 | $41.23 | $65,166 | $2,070 |
| Mobile crane employee level 4 (MCE4) Slew crane 101 to 200 tonnes (no boom trailer), advanced rigger, heavy low bed transport operator | $33.81 | $42.26 | $66,814 | $2,112 |
| Mobile crane employee level 5 (MCE5) Slew crane 201 to 300 tonnes, or under 100 tonnes with boom trailer or luffing fly jib | $35.45 | $44.31 | $70,038 | $2,196 |
| Mobile crane employee level 6 (MCE6) Slew crane 301 to 400 tonnes, or under 200 tonnes with luffing fly jib | $36.14 | $45.18 | $71,411 | $2,232 |
| Mobile crane employee level 7 (MCE7) Slew crane 401 tonnes or more, or under 200 tonnes with superlift attachment | $37.06 | $46.33 | $73,231 | $2,280 |
Full-time 38 hours a week; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Casual rates include the 25% loading. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
What crane operators actually earn
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median salary or wage | Average salary or wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crane operator (construction) | 10,601 | $120,763 | $122,935 |
ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A. Includes part-time workers and overtime.
Big construction projects usually pay well above the award through enterprise agreements, site allowances and overtime, which is why the ATO median is far above the award minimum.
See also Building and Construction Award pay, overtime calculator.
Common questions
How much does a crane operator earn in Australia?
The award minimum runs from $31.13 an hour ($61,510 a year full time) at Mobile crane employee level 1 (MCE1) to $37.06 ($73,231) at Mobile crane employee level 7 (MCE7), from 1 July 2026. The ATO median salary or wage for crane operators was $120,763 in 2023-24, including part-timers.
What is the casual rate for a crane operator?
$38.91 to $46.33 an hour under the award, including the 25% casual loading.
Which award covers crane operators?
The Mobile Crane Hiring Award [MA000032]. Big construction projects usually pay well above the award through enterprise agreements, site allowances and overtime, which is why the ATO median is far above the award minimum.
When do award rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, after the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text (Schedule A), Mobile Crane Hiring Award [MA000032]; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.