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What is a crane operator and how to become one
Crane operators use industrial cranes to safely lift and place objects or materials that are too large and heavy for human strength to handle.
The Greeks came up with this tool thousands of years ago, actually, sometime around 500 BC, though the machine has gone through significant evolutions since that time.
Today cranes are used in ports, manufacturing, and construction sites, and crane operators go wherever their cranes go. Their primary responsibility is operating the machine safely because this baby can cause huge damage, causing 90 deaths a year nationwide, in one way or another.
As a crane operator, you will have to inspect your crane and perform maintenance work on it regularly. You will have to wear PPT safety equipment while working and have a certification proving your familiarity with the machine. And you will have to pass drug tests, too, so don't even think about lighting up that doobie.
Avg. Salary $54,275
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 7%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.52%
Asian 0.70%
Black or African American 10.49%
Hispanic or Latino 18.30%
Unknown 3.62%
White 65.37%
Genderfemale 4.45%
male 95.55%
Age - 48American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 48Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Crane Operator career paths
Key steps to become a crane operator
Explore crane operator education requirements
Start to develop specific crane operator skills
Skills 
Percentages Cranes 25.04% NCCCO 7.44% CDL 7.02% OSHA 4.00% Hoisting 3.63% Complete relevant crane operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New crane operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a crane operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real crane operator resumes.Gain additional crane operator certifications
More About CertificationsCrane operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific crane operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for crane operators include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Research crane operator duties and responsibilities
- Perform preventive maintenance on cranes in accordance with manufacturer and OSHA requirements.
- Train, test and certify to run all small and large hydraulic cranes through NCCCO.
- Operate LBT and TLL cranes, loading and unloading concrete bridge girders in a precast yard in a production setting.
- Rig cranes to handle constriction materials using appropriate nylon and wire rope slings, shackles and other material handling equipment.
Prepare your crane operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your crane operator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a crane operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Crane Operator Resume templates
Build a professional Crane Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Crane Operator resume.
Apply for crane operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a crane operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Crane Operator Job
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Average crane operator salary
The average Crane Operator salary in the United States is $54,275 per year or $26 per hour. Crane operator salaries range between $35,000 and $83,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do crane operators rate their job?
Crane Operator reviews
With concentration, using the right lifting material, watching for safe environment while lifting and offloading, having the LMI working etc, you'll have a less accident work delivery.
Other works going on around lifting and offloading point, etc.
learn all about scrap metal side of it how to grade Steel from cast iron and #1 and #2 steel be good at what you do as a scrap handler operator be safe doing it right and getting job doing.
you have to be on look out for people and your work are safe come at a price
For is the most easiest way of carrying heavy loads that I like the most.
I don't like to leave my working area with un nicely packed parcels or loads
Updated January 8, 2025
