A crane operator’s salary in Canada ranges from around $45,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $100,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $75,000 per annum.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Crane Operator's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 72500) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 22.31 | 34.00 | 46.50 |
| Alberta | 25.96 | 40.00 | 51.82 |
| British Columbia | 22.10 | 39.00 | 47.00 |
| Manitoba | 18.75 | 26.00 | 35.00 |
| New Brunswick | 20.00 | 31.00 | 45.00 |
| Newfoundland | 22.00 | 35.00 | 50.00 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 23.00 | 37.99 | 48.00 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 24.12 | 32.50 | 47.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Quebec | 20.75 | 29.50 | 42.50 |
| Saskatchewan | 16.88 | 32.00 | 45.00 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Crane Operator’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range crane operator’s salary in Canada is in Alberta, where salaries are almost 35% above the national average.
Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest crane operator’s salary in Canada is found in Manitoba, where mid-range salaries are almost 25% lower than national averages. However, the cost of living here is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries should be viewed in this context.
Are Crane Operators In Demand In Canada?
According to government projections, the three-year prospects for crane operators range from “limited” to “good,” depending on the province. The best prospects are in Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, and Saskatchewan.
The job market for crane operators is relatively stable, and this is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Government projections (by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for crane operators as 9,500, compared to 9,200 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
A Crane Operator’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a Crane Operator’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Crane Operator In Canada?
The current NOC code for a crane operator in Canada is 72500 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 7371). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Boom truck crane operator
- Bridge crane operator
- Climbing crane operator
- Construction crane operator
- Crane operator
- Dragline crane operator
- Gantry crane operator
- Hoist operator (except underground mining)
- Mobile crane operator
- Tower crane operator
- Tractor crane operator
Can Immigrant Crane Operators Work In Canada?
If you qualified as a crane operator overseas, you might be able to work in Canada without further training. However, this will depend on the province/territory you are moving to and the type of crane you would be operating.
The individual provinces regulate crane operators and have different certification requirements. You should contact the trade association of the province you plan to move to for complete details.
You should also consider taking the Red Seal exam. The Red Seal program sets common standards to assess trade people’s skills across Canada. If you pass the Red Seal exam, your trade certificate will be endorsed, so your qualification will be recognized anywhere in Canada.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Ontario?
A crane operator’s salary in Ontario ranges from $50,652 to $98,700 annually. The mid-range salary is around $68,250, which is slightly lower than the national mid-range salary of $71,400 in Canada.
Crane Operator’s salaries in Ontario are pretty consistent across the province, including in Toronto, although they are slightly higher in the northeast region.
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What Is A Crane Operator’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a crane operator in Ontario is $50,652. This is higher than the national starting salary for crane operators in Canada, which is $46,851.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range crane operator’s salary in Toronto is $68,250, in line with provincial averages. However, it’s worth noting that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. You might find that your salary goes further, and you can enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Toronto.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range crane operator’s salary in Ottawa is $68,250. Property costs in Ottawa are generally lower than in Toronto, which could make your salary stretch further in this city compared to Toronto.
Are Crane Operators In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, crane operators are in demand in Ontario. The job prospects for crane operators from 2022 to 2024 are projected to be good. This demand is driven by factors like employment growth, retirements leading to job openings, and the continuous need from industries such as manufacturing and construction.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Alberta?
A crane operator’s salary in Alberta ranges from $54,516 to $108,822. The mid-range salary is around $84,000, significantly higher than the national mid-range salary of $71,400 in Canada.
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What Is A Crane Operator’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a crane operator in Alberta is $54,516. This is noticeably higher than the national starting salary for crane operators in Canada, which is $46,851.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range crane operator’s salary in Calgary is $84,000, considerably higher than national averages. Also, Calgary has a lower cost of living compared to most other major cities in Canada, so you might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Edmonton?
A mid-range crane operator’s salary in Edmonton is $88,200. The cost of living, especially property prices, is lower in Edmonton than most other major cities in Canada. This combined with the higher salaries, means crane operators will enjoy a higher standard of living here.
Are Crane Operators In Demand In Alberta?
Demand for crane operators in Alberta is expected to be slow over the next few years. The job prospects are rated “limited,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. However, the job market is pretty balanced and expected to be stable for the foreseeable future.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In BC?
A crane operator’s salary in BC ranges from $46,410 to $98,700. The mid-range salary is around $81,900, which is higher than the national mid-range salary of $71,400 in Canada.
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What Is A Crane Operator’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a crane operator in BC is $46,410. This is slightly lower than the national starting salary for crane operators in Canada, which is $46,851.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range crane operator’s salary in Vancouver is $85,029. However, Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of Canada’s highest real estate costs. Despite the competitive salary, you might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Vancouver.
What Is A Crane Operator’s Salary In Victoria?
A mid-range crane operator’s salary in Victoria is $83,328. Property costs in Victoria are generally lower than in Vancouver, which could make your salary stretch further in this city compared to Vancouver.
Are Crane Operators In Demand In BC?
Demand for BC crane operators is expected to slow over the next few years. The job prospects are rated “limited,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. This is mainly because demand for crane operators is very dependent on the construction sector, and the growth in this sector is expected to be slow in the near term.
Where To Find More Information About Crane Operator Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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