CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Crane and Tower Operators
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Median pay

$66,370
Median annual pay for Crane and Tower Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

42,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Crane and Tower Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Transportation
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Building and Construction

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Multilimb Coordination
  3. 3Depth Perception
  4. 4Far Vision
  5. 5Rate Control
  6. 6Reaction Time

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Handling and Moving Objects
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Health and Safety of Other Workers
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyCrane operation control softwareInventory tracking software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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