Life As 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.
Daily Life Of a Crane or Tower Operator
- Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
- Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
- Load or unload bundles from trucks or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
- Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
- Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
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Crane or Tower Operator 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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Wrecking Crane Engine Operator
- Equipment Operator
- Picker
- Mold Shifter
- Diesel Crane Operator
Job Outlook 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,300 job openings in this field each 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.
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
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 kind of Crane or Tower Operator requirements are there?
What work experience do I need 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
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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