Crane and Tower Operators

Career summary

#no corresponding wois occ.

#checked 3/19/19 lh

A crane is a machine that picks up and moves heavy objects. It operates by means of cables attached to a moveable arm, called a boom. Operators move the boom in or out to lower or raise a hook hanging from it. Most operators receive hand signals or radioed instructions from coworkers that tell them where to move loads.

At construction sites and ports, operators load, unload, and move cargo where it needs to go. They weigh loads, using floor scales, and record weights for company records. They make sure the lifting capacity on their equipment is able to handle the load. They inspect loads to be sure they are packaged properly for lifting.

Many operators also inspect, clean, adjust, and service their own equipment.

Crane and tower operators keep records of the materials they move. They also review delivery schedules to determine the order they need to move the objects.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Forklift Operators
• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Locomotive Engineers
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
• Woodworking Machine Operators

Military careers

• Cargo Specialists
• Construction Equipment Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to crane and tower operators.

• Operate machines to lift materials, machinery, or other heavy objects.
• Inspect loads to be sure they are packaged correctly, and that weights are not more than lifting capacity.
• Extend or retract boom to lower or raise a hook attached to the load.
• Coordinate movements in response to hand signals or radioed instructions.
• Direct helpers who are placing blocking and outrigging under cranes.
• Review delivery schedule to determine which loads must be moved first.
• May keep records of materials moved. May load and unload small loads using forklifts.
• May inspect, clean, fuel, and service their equipment, especially cables and grappling devices.
• Weigh loads using a floor scale. Record weights in company records.
• Direct drivers who are backing vehicles into loading bays.

Common work activities

Crane and tower operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Process information
• Develop and build teams
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Think creatively
• Explain the meaning of information to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, crane and tower operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium-high level of social contact. They direct and take instructions from other workers, but spend time alone inside their equipment.
• Are significantly responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• Often work as part of a team.
• May occasionally be placed in conflict situations in which others may become rude or angry.
• Communicate mostly in person. They sometimes communicate by telephone.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work outdoors, but may on occasion work indoors. Temperatures may vary due to weather.
• Regularly wear protective attire, such as hard hats and steel-toe boots.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants.
• Are exposed to high places on a weekly basis.
• Are sometimes exposed to sound and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are sometimes exposed to whole body vibration while operating cranes.
• Work in extremely bright or very dim lighting conditions on a weekly basis.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment.
• May experience whole body vibration due to working equipment.
• Work inside enclosed equipment.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could result in serious safety hazards.
• Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of the equipment.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that greatly impact their employer, coworkers, and clients.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Often make decisions without consulting a supervisor, but not always.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals by discussing them with a supervisor first.
• Must meet weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week.
• Schedules may vary with weather.

Physical demands

Crane and tower operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for crane and tower operators to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for crane and tower operators to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See objects in very low light.

Skills and abilities

Crane and tower operators need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Know one's location in a physical setting and recognize where other objects are located in relation to oneself.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations

Training

To work as a crane and tower operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have one to five years of related work experience; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some crane operators learn their skills through technical school programs. Completing such a program may help you get a job as a trainee. However, you should check the school's reputation with area employers before enrolling. Most operators earn a certificate in this field, which usually takes a year to complete.

The availability of technical school programs depends on the demand for crane operators. Construction crane programs often shut down when construction activity drops off.

Work experience

Any experience safely driving or operating equipment can help you get a trainee position.

On-the-job training

Most crane and tower operators learn their skills on the job. You begin on light equipment while an experienced operator supervises your work. You start as assistant and help set up, dismantle, and service the crane. As you gain experience, you move up to heavier equipment. On-the-job training typically lasts up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be cargo specialists or construction equipment operators. Both of these military occupations can teach you some of the skills needed to be a crane and tower operator. Training lasts from two to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

Crane and tower operators are covered by operating engineers apprenticeship programs. Current apprenticeship program requirements include:

• being at least 18 years old;
• having a high school diploma or equivalent;
• being physically able to perform work of the trade;
• having a Washington State driver's license and reliable transportation;
• being able to read, write, and speak English;
• completing a math and reading test;
• passing a substance abuse test; and
• completing the pre-employment safety and orientation procedure.

Programs may not be active in all areas of the state.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Made some modifications to requirements 3/7/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Driver Education
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require that operators have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers also look for operators who have good hand-eye coordination and mechanical aptitude. Experience operating material moving machines is an asset. This experience could be from the military or a training program. High school training in auto or diesel repair is also helpful. This is because operators perform some maintenance on their machines.

Tips

Crane operators report that the job requires precision, attention to detail, coordination, and lots of patience. Workers also need to be unafraid of heights since the crane cabs are about 180 feet off the ground. Wind gusts and the weight of the materials being moved also cause the crane to sway some so workers need to feel comfortable working in those conditions.

#Tips from PSBJ Feb 8-14, 2008 article, added 3/19/08, cj.

Costs to workers

Crane and tower operators may have to supply uniforms or protective clothing. Apprentices may need to buy reference textbooks. Union members pay an initiation fee and quarterly or monthly dues. Operators may need to pay their own housing costs when working at sites away from their homes.

Licensing/certification

Currently, 17 states and 6 cities have licensing requirements for crane operators. The states that require a license are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. The cities are Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, Omaha, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

For information on Washington requirements visit the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) .

#link to website 3/19/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Crane and Tower Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary based on the operator's experience. Crane and tower operators who belong to a union generally receive higher wages. Also, pay is usually higher in large urban areas. Seasonal work may reduce overall earnings.

Crane and tower operators who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Crane and tower operators work in every part of the country. Some work in remote areas on highways, dams, or mining projects.

Major employers:

• Crane rental companies
• Steel production companies
• Water transportation services

National outlook

Demand for crane and tower operators will experience average growth. Demand increases as infrastructure projects such as roads, highways, and bridges move forward. Job opportunities also are found at ports and cargo centers due to the increase in global trading. Automation reduces some of the need for crane operators.

Job openings occur as people leave this occupation.

Other resources

Great Jobs: Heavy Equipment Operator 
(International Union of Operating Engineers)

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators 
2750 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 505
Fairfax, VA 22031
703.560.2391

Operating Engineers Regional Training Program 
16921 Vantage Highway
Ellensburg, WA 98926
509.968.3203

Western States Operating Engineers 
23500 South Operating Engineers Lane
Spangle, WA 99031-0210
509.235.9393

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Crane and Tower Operators (53-7021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Cantilever-crane Operator (921.683-018) 
• Cherry-picker Operator (921.663-014) 
• Derrick Operator (921.663-022) 
• Derrick-boat Operator (921.683-034) 
• Dross Skimmer (519.683-010) 
• Locomotive-crane Operator (921.663-038) 
• Monorail Crane Operator (921.663-042) 
• Overhead Crane Operator (921.663-010) 
• Sorting-grapple Operator (921.683-066) 
• Tower-crane Operator (921.663-054) 
• Tower-loader Operator (921.683-074) 
• Tractor-crane Operator (921.663-058) 
• Truck Loader, Overhead Crane (921.663-070) 
• Truck-crane Operator (921.663-062) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled