Crane Operator
Quick Facts
Median Salary$61,572
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+19.00%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Crane Operator operates cranes, machines used to maneuver materials and lift and lower objects from a great height. Works at construction sites, ports, logging sites, and electrical repair sites.
Core Tasks:
- 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 cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
- Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
- 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.
What to expect as a Crane Operator
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
34% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Crane Operator related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
713 openings for Crane Operators
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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