Crane and Tower Operators

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Median Annual Wage: $50,720

Education: Post-secondary certificate (61%); High school diploma or equivalent (32%); Less than high school diploma (8%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Heavy Equipment Operator; Machine Operator; Material Handler; Crane Operator; Overhead Crane Operator; Scrap Crane Operator; Mobile Crane Operator; Woodyard Crane Operator; Port Crane Operator; Winchman/Crane Operator

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Crane and Tower Operators.

More Transportation and Material Moving Careers

  • 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Crane and Tower Operators.

  • 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.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Crane and Tower Operators.

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