What is a Crane or Tower Operator?
Example of Crane or Tower Operator Job Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
Life As a Crane or Tower Operator: What Do They Do?
- Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
- 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 cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
- Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
- Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
- Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
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What a Crane or Tower Operator Should Know
These are the skills Crane and Tower Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Crane or Tower Operator
- Diesel Crane Operator
- Derrick Boat Lever Operator
- Mold Shifter
- Electric Crane Operator
- Gantry Crane Operator
Are There Job Opportunities for Crane and Tower Operators?
In the United States, there were 46,000 jobs for Crane or Tower Operator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,900 new jobs for Crane or Tower Operator by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,300 positions for Crane or Tower Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Crane or Tower Operator are Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, South Dakota, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Crane or Tower Operator Make?
Crane and Tower Operators make between $31,250 and $87,330 a year.

Crane and Tower Operators who work in Hawaii, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $48,550 |
Alaska | $77,270 |
Arizona | $49,730 |
Arkansas | $38,010 |
California | $63,850 |
Colorado | $58,650 |
Connecticut | $66,580 |
Delaware | $44,820 |
District of Columbia | $44,580 |
Florida | $55,410 |
Georgia | $48,790 |
Hawaii | $82,910 |
Idaho | $52,610 |
Illinois | $55,930 |
Indiana | $62,180 |
Iowa | $55,900 |
Kansas | $58,730 |
Kentucky | $49,680 |
Louisiana | $52,010 |
Maine | $50,980 |
Maryland | $56,200 |
Massachusetts | $74,160 |
Michigan | $45,220 |
Minnesota | $55,580 |
Mississippi | $45,180 |
Missouri | $46,500 |
Montana | $63,270 |
Nebraska | $52,120 |
Nevada | $66,390 |
New Jersey | $69,970 |
New Mexico | $59,950 |
North Carolina | $48,650 |
North Dakota | $63,450 |
Ohio | $48,170 |
Oklahoma | $50,140 |
Oregon | $70,460 |
Pennsylvania | $52,100 |
South Carolina | $51,390 |
South Dakota | $58,470 |
Tennessee | $52,470 |
Texas | $55,490 |
Utah | $48,670 |
Vermont | $50,720 |
Virginia | $65,630 |
Washington | $72,270 |
West Virginia | $54,520 |
Wisconsin | $47,240 |
Wyoming | $60,750 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Crane and Tower Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Crane and Tower Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Inventory tracking software
How do I Become a Crane or Tower Operator?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Crane or Tower Operator?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Crane or Tower Operator?

Where Crane and Tower Operators Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Crane and Tower Operators work:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Crane or Tower Operator may also be interested in:
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Career changers with experience as a Crane or Tower Operator sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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