Crane and tower operators
SOC Code: 53-7021Also known as:
Acid Crane Operator, Boom Cat Operator, Boom Crane Operator, Boomswing Operator, Bottom Crane Operator
Median Annual Salary
$66,370
+3.0% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
42K
Current Jobs
What Crane and tower operators Do
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
💰 Salary
$66,370
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
42,300
Projected Employment (2034)
43,500
Related Careers
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
$63,980 •
+5.8% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Industrial truck and tractor operators
$46,390 •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Crane and tower operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a crane and tower operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Crane and tower operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become crane and tower operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do crane and tower operators make?
The median annual salary for crane and tower operators is $66,370.
What education do crane and tower operators need?
Most crane and tower operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming crane and tower operators a good career choice?
Crane and tower operators is projected to see +3.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for crane and tower operators?
Top colleges for aspiring crane and tower operators include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to crane and tower operators?
Crane and tower operators may also be known as: Acid Crane Operator, Boom Cat Operator, Boom Crane Operator, Boomswing Operator, Bottom Crane Operator, Bridge Crane Operator, Burial Vault Deliverer and Installer, Cantilever Crane Operator, Cathead Operator, Cell Tower Technician (Cell Tower Tech), Certified Crane Operator, Charging Crane Operator, Cherry Picker Operator, Cinder Dump Crane Operator, Cinder Pit Crane Operator, Clamshell Operator, Coal Tower Operator, Coke Crane Operator, Crane Driver, Crane Ladle Person.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.