Crane operators Job Description

Each day, a crane operator job requires the operator to make a long climb into a small, confined cab. High above the construction site, a crane operator can see the entire lay of the land. Safety is critical. A crane operator lifts heavy objects into the air and moves them into the right place, without dropping them on people or other construction materials. A large skyscraper attempts to finish one floor of construction per week and a crane operator is critical to the mission timeline. Weather is an important factor in this job. If high winds prevail, a crane is unable to operate, due to safety concerns. A crane operator works with a partner, called a rigger, who is stationed on the ground. Constant communication between the crane operator and the rigger is critical, to ensure that the work is safely coordinated. One false move by the crane operator Crane for sale , rigger, or any of the construction workers, could be the difference between life and death, of people on the ground.

Crane operators Education Requirements

Most of the training required for crane operator jobs is learned on the job. Some states require certification to operate a crane. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCC)) certifies crane operators. Eligibility requires individuals to be 18 years of age, physically fit, and pass a written and practical examination. Certification must be renewed periodically and some states require operators to complete a training program.

How Much Money Do Crane Operators Make?

Crane operators work 12 to 14 hour days, often with only one or two breaks. Given that crane operator jobs are solitary and sedentary, turnover is high. Beginning as a construction worker is the best entrée to this profession.

Years of Experience and Salary

In 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the average, annual crane operator salary was $55,690. Experienced crane operators that are working on large-scale projects may make as much as $84,290. Most experience is gained at a construction site. If you are interested in securing a crane operator job, begin by serving as a rigger. This position will give you an on-the-ground look at what it takes to work in a crane operator job. States like Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Florida have the most need for crane operators.

How much do crane operators make