Crane and Tower Operators
SOC code 53-7021 · O*NET-SOC 53-7021.00 · Medium preparation needed · Transportation
Crane and Tower Operators pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$68,080
a year
Hourly
$32.73
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$72,130
$34.68 per hour
Middle 50%
$52,600 – $83,200
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$42,640 – $103,570
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
42,890
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $42,640
- $20.50/hr
- 25th percentile
- $52,600
- $25.29/hr
- Median percentile
- $68,080
- $32.73/hr
- 75th percentile
- $83,200
- $40.00/hr
- 90th percentile
- $103,570
- $49.79/hr
What do crane and tower operators do?
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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 crane site conditions to determine ground stability.
- Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
- Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
- Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
- Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary.
- Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
- Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 61% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate61%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
- Less than a High School Diploma8%
Common questions
How much does a crane and tower operators earn?
The national median is $68,080 a year. The full range runs from $42,640 at the 10th percentile to $103,570 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a crane and tower operators without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Active Learning2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical3.5/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- Transportation2.9/5
- English Language2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.8/5
- Building and Construction2.7/5
- Education and Training2.6/5
- Production and Processing2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.