Crane & Hoisting Operator

Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operators service and operate hoist and swing equipment used to lift, move, and place machinery and other large objects on construction sites and industrial yards.

• Boom trucks
• Tower cranes

• Mobile Crane Operators serve and operate mobile cranes that raise, lower, or move heavy materials. They may drive the crane to the site, rig the machine, and set up the lift using blocking and levelling materials.
• Boom Truck Hoist Operators set up units and operate hydraulic beams mounted on trucks. Operators learn to lift, move, and place materials or equipment and are certified according to the weight they move.
• Tower Crane Operators service and operate travelling, fixed or climbing-type equipment with a vertical mast and jib. They often assemble cranes on site.

Some operators work with all three equipment types, while others specialize in one. Additional training and/or certification may be required.

Work can be outdoors or indoors, and may vary by project. Positions can be seasonal, project‑based, part‑time or full‑time. Hours may differ accordingly.

• Strong depth perception, good communication skills, ability to work at height, and dexterity with hands.
• Minimum experience:
  
  3 years for Boom Truck or Tower Crane operators; 4.5 years for Mobile Crane operators.
• Required hours vary per level: 1,250–1,700 hours for L1 and the same for L2; 1,500 hours for L3.
• Practical exam: not required. Technical training ranges from 4–7 weeks per year.
• Licensed:
  Mobile Crane, Boom Truck Hoist, Tower Crane operators need the respective certification.

Average salaries range from $52,395 to $105,000 per year for journey‑level employees, with apprentices earning an average of $33,280 annually.