Job Details
Sector(s)
Construction; Operations & Maintenance
Median Pay
$62,240 per year
$29.92 per hour
Job Type
Mid-Level
Typical Entry-Level Education and Work Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent; several years of construction experience
Position Title
Crane and Tower Operator
Alternate Titles
N/A
Job Description
Crane and tower operators control mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products.
Education and Training Description
Crane and tower operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent in addition to several years of experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects. Experience as a construction equipment operator, hoist and winch operator, rigger, or signaler is preferred.
Crane and tower operators undergo several months of training. The International Union of Operating Engineers offers training programs for crane operators. Some cities and states may also require crane and tower operators to be licensed to operate cranes and towers independently. Employers may prefer to hire certified workers. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operator offers several certifications for crane operators and related workers.
Job Profile
Crane and tower operators use cable and tower equipment to lift and move materials, machinery, or other heavy objects. In the hydropower industry, they often work at hydropower sites, moving heavy construction materials or hydropower components for construction or maintenance and repairs. They often control the crane or tower from a control station, extending and retracting horizontal booms, rotating the superstructure, and lowering and raising hooks attached to cables at the end of their crane or tower. Workers on the ground often guide the operators using hand signals or talking through a radio.
Crane and tower operators typically:
- Control cranes and towers with levers, wheels, or foot pedals
- Move material according to a plan or schedule
- Communicate with workers on the ground to load and unload materials
- Ensure loads are safely secured prior to lifting
- Keep a record of the material they move and where they move it to
- Make minor repairs to their equipment.
Job Skills
Crane and tower operators typically need:
- Communication skills. Crane and tower operators send and receive direction from workers on the ground when moving material.
- Coordination. Crane and tower operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely. They use hand controls to place heavy construction components in precise locations.
- Mechanical skills. Crane and tower operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them.
- Visual ability. Crane and tower operators must be able to see clearly what they are moving. They must also watch for nearby workers, who may unknowingly be in their path.
More Information
For more information on construction and building inspectors, see: