Skilled Trades

Crane and Tower Operators

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

Median salary

$66,370

Typical range

$42k – $102k

Job outlook

+3% (about average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Crane and Tower Operators

Education

Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)

•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.

Any field

Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.