Crane & Tower Operators
Description OES Code: 97944
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $13.35
25th Percentile $16.39
50th Percentile $26.78
75th Percentile $31.75

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Crane/tower operators and others in the material moving occupations generally work 8-hour shifts, though longer shifts are also common. In many industries that work around the clock, material movers work evening or "graveyard" shifts. Some may work at night because the establishment may not want to disturb customers during normal business hours.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 2,400
Projected Employment 2008 2,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 16.7%
Separations 1998-2008 600

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 80
Projected Employment 2006 90
Percent Change 1999-2006 12.5%
Separations 1999-2006 10

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Many material moving workers work outdoors in every type of climate and weather condition. The work tends to be repetitive and physically demanding. They may lift and carry heavy objects, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in awkward positions. Some work at great heights, or outdoors in all weather conditions. Some jobs expose workers to harmful materials or chemicals, fumes, odors, loud noise, or dangerous machinery. To avoid injury, these workers wear safety clothing, such as gloves and hard hats, and devices to protect their eyes, mouth, or hearing. These jobs have become much safer as safety equipment such as overhead guards on forklift trucks has become common. As with most machinery, most accidents can be avoided by observing proper operating procedures and safety practices.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Tower/Crane operators may find employment in the following industries: Residential Building Construction; Nonresidential Building Construction; Heavy Construction, Except Building; Special Trade Contractors; Lumber and Wood Products, Except Furniture; Concrete, Gypsum, and Plaster Products; Primary Metal Industries; Fabricated Structural Metal Products; Ship and Boat Building and Repairing; Paper Mills ; Electric Services; Metals and Minerals, Except Petroleum; Miscellaneous Durable Goods; Real Estate Operators; Equipment Rental & Leasing; Federal Government.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
In order to obtain employment as a crane/tower operator, it may be necessary to complete the following instructional program: Construction Equipment Operator. An instructional program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment, such as a crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, and shovels, including dragline, hoe, and cranes. Includes instruction in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, backfiling, clearing and excavating.

Skills & Other Requirements
The following are among the skills required for crane/tower operators: Adhere To Safety Procedures; Estimate Angles For Excavation & Other Earth Moving; Inspect Material Moving Equipment Before/During Normal Operation; Judge Distances; Judge Terrain Conditions For Vehicle/Equipment Operation; Operate Mobile 2-Way Radio; Operate Vehicles/Ground Equipment; Perform Minor Vehicle Repairs When Mechanic Not Available; Precisely Control Construction & Related Heavy Equipment; Read Instruments On Construction & Related Heavy Equipment; Set Up, Adjust & Inspect Construction (Heavy) Equipment Prior To Use; Set Up/Repair Specialized Rigging; Understand Soil Characteristics For Heavy Equipment Operation; Use Computer Keyboard; Use Heavy Construction Equipment; Use Measuring Devices In Construction & Extraction Work; Use Spreadsheet Software; Use Word Processing Software.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Construction Equipment Operators, Truck Drivers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)