What is a Crane or Tower Operator?
Crane or Tower Operator Job Description Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
A Day in the Life of a Crane or Tower Operator
- Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
- Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
- Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
- Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
- Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
- Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs as necessary.
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Crane or Tower Operator Needed 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.
Types of Crane or Tower Operator Jobs
- Material Handler
- Power Crane Operator
- Ore Bridge Operator
- Diesel Crane Operator
- Monorail Operator
What Kind of Crane or Tower Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
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. The BLS estimates 5,300 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Crane or Tower Operator Average Salary
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 |
What Tools do Crane and Tower Operators Use?
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
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
The table below shows the approximate number of Crane and Tower Operators employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
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
Those who work as a Crane or Tower Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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