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Career Exploration

Crane and Tower Operators

Also called: Crane Operator, Mobile Crane Operator, Overhead Crane Operator, Scrap Crane 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.

On the job, you would:
  • Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
  • 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 and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time

Vision

  • decide which thing is closer or farther away from you or decide how far away it is from you

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $61,340

Education

Certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.