Crane and Tower Operators
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
Median pay: $68,080/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 3,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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 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.
What's the median pay for Crane and Tower Operators?
The median pay for Crane and Tower Operators is $68,080 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Crane and Tower Operators?
Employment for Crane and Tower Operators is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Crane and Tower Operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Crane and Tower Operators?
About 3,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.