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Life As a Crane or Tower Operator
Crane or Tower Operator Example Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
List of Crane or Tower Operator Job Duties
- Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
- Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
- Load or unload bundles from trucks or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
- Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
- Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
- Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
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Crane or Tower Operator Required Skills
Crane and Tower Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles
- Mold Washer
- Ore Bridge Operator
- Cherry Picker Operator
- Operator
- Cinder Pit Crane Operator
Job Outlook for Crane and Tower Operators
There were about 46,000 jobs for Crane or Tower Operator in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Crane or Tower Operator
The average yearly salary of a Crane or Tower Operator ranges between $31,250 and $87,330.
Crane and Tower Operators who work in Hawaii, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Crane and Tower Operators 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
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Crane and Tower Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Inventory tracking software
Becoming a Crane or Tower Operator
Are there Crane and Tower Operators education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Crane or Tower Operator?
Where do Crane and Tower Operators Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Crane or Tower Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
- 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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