Crane and Tower Operators

• General Description

• Sample of Job Titles

• What You Can Earn

• Knowledge Required

• Skills Required

• Education

• Related Occupations

• Download Video 1

• Download Video 2

General Description

• Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Back to Top

Sample of Job Titles

• Crane Operator
• Overhead Crane Operator
• Scrap Crane Operator
• Mobile Crane Operator
• Wood Yard Crane Operator
• Machine Operator
• Port Crane Operator
• Radio Control Crane Operator
• Crane Man
• Heavy Equipment Operator

Back to Top

What You Can Earn

• $10.75 — Entry-Level Hourly Rate
• $23.36 — Experienced Hourly Rate

Back to Top

Knowledge Required

Mechanical

machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance

Education and Training

principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects

Mathematics

arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications

Building & Construction

materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads

Back to Top

Skills Required

Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed

Instructing

Teaching others how to do something

Equipment Selection

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems, 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

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions

Back to Top

Education

Most occupations in this area may require:

• High school diploma/GED
• Training in Vocational Schools
• Related On-the-Job experience
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree

Back to Top

Related Occupations

• Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
• Dredge Operators
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators
• Hoist and Winch Operators

Back to Top