Construction

Crane Operator

If smaller cranes put up larger cranes, how was the first crane built 🤯

Operate cranes and other heavy lifting equipment to move materials, machinery, and loads on construction sites and industrial settings.

Salary Range

$42,000 – $95,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$59,710

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth(+3%)

2024–2034 projected

The best crane operators clear over $300k a year and get to work on the largest projects and buildings in the city. Flexible work hours and locations. A steady hand, a mind for safety and good focus mean the sky is the limit for this career.

Browse Crane Operator Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary.
Load or unload bundles from trucks, or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements, and remove and batch packaging tickets.
Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.

Tools of the Trade

Lifting hooksBelow the hook deviceScrewdriversTower cranesTrack cranesDemolition equipment kitsEarthmoving buckets or its parts or accessoriesBlow torchHydraulic truck cranesForce or torque sensorsPunches or nail sets or driftsPressure or steam cleanersTape measuresWire cuttersSlingsRatchetsAll terrain cranesCalipersShackleHoistsDrum grabsAcoustic ear muffs or defendersJacksPullersRough terrain cranesJib craneForkliftsTouch screen monitorsSlip or groove joint pliersDraglinesBlocks or pulleysImpact wrenchesPile driversGogglesSpecialty wrenchesBox end wrenchesEar plugsSledge hammerWear testersTire pressure gaugeLinear position sensorsSafety harnesses or beltsBall peen hammerTrack excavatorsRotary position sensorsPaint sprayersOil gunClaw hammerFloor or platform scalesHazardous material protective apparelGrapplesTinners snipsBridge cranesAngle grinderTwo way radiosAnemometersPneumatic impact wrenchesGrease gunsRespiratorsBench visesPry barsSafety glassesWelding masksPower drillsTurnbucklesDemolition hammersOpen end wrenchesAdjustable wrenchesWire brushesNeedlenose pliers

Knowledge Areas

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 64/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 50/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 48/100

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. 48/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 44/100

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 43/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 40/100

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 39/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 37/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 35/100