The light from your computer screen is a bit strange. And it's not just because of the websites you visit. If you have a computer with a flat screen liquid crystal display, turn it on. Open your word processor to display the writer's block screen (pure white).
Crane operators employed primarily in nonresidential building construction made somewhat less, an average of $53,070 a year. Those who worked in mining averaged $47,010 per year, and those employed by iron and steel mills made an average of $45,710 per year.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups all crane and tower operators together for reporting purposes. Its May 2011 figures show a median income of $46,460 for workers in this category, with the top 25 percent earning $61,060 or higher and the top 10 percent earning $78,850 or higher.