Home > Salary > South Africa > Tower Crane Operator
A tower crane operator is responsible for operating and controlling tower cranes, which are large, fixed machines used in construction sites to lift and move heavy materials and equipment. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of materials, such as steel, concrete, and building components, to various heights and locations on the site. Tower crane operators must have excellent hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and spatial awareness to maneuver loads accurately.
Their responsibilities include inspecting and maintaining the crane's mechanical and electrical systems, interpreting and following construction plans and signals, and communicating with other workers on the ground. Safety is paramount in this occupation, as tower crane operators must adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 190,118 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,843 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,656 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,273 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,525 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 88 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,494 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 791 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 183 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 190,118 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,843 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,656 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
By working as Tower Crane Operator a person can save up to 520 USD per month or 6,240 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Tower Crane Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Tower Crane Operator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Tower Crane Operator in South Africa is approximately 190,118 ZAR (9,494 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Tower Crane Operator do?

Skills: Tower Crane Operator, Construction, Heavy Equipment, Material Handling, Safety, Construction Site
Job industry: Construction
Job industry: Construction
How much does Tower Crane Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Tower Crane Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 190,118 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,843 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,656 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 183,280 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 15,273 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,525 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 88 ZAR per hour
Tower Crane Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,494 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 791 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 183 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Tower Crane Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Tower Crane Operator in South Africa earns on average:
1.5 times the average salary (or 150% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Tower Crane Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Tower Crane Operator in South Africa earns on average:
1.5 times the average salary (or 150% of average salary).
Is Tower Crane Operator a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Tower Crane Operator is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Tower Crane Operator?
High salary for Tower Crane Operator would be somewhere between 209,130 ZAR and 275,671 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Tower Crane Operator in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 190,118 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,843 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,656 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
By working as Tower Crane Operator a person can save up to 520 USD per month or 6,240 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Tower Crane Operator
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
Energy manager (176,126 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Master planner (158,694 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Director clinical data management (330,084 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Lead optometric technician (77,990 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Special forces officer (200,582 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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