Crane and Tower Operator

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  Career Profile

Crane and Tower Operator

What they do

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

Also Called: Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Machine Operator, Mobile Crane Operator, Overhead Crane Operator, Port Crane Operator, Scrap Crane Operator, Winchman, Woodyard Crane Operator, Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Machine Operator, Mobile Crane Operator, Overhead Crane Operator, Port Crane Operator, Scrap Crane Operator, Winchman, Woodyard Crane Operator

$39,200
Starting Salary (2023)
$64,690
Median Salary (2023)
0.2%
Projected Job Growth
42,260
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

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 cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
Load or unload bundles from trucks, or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Self-Control
Cooperation
Stress Tolerance
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

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