Crane and Tower Operators

SOC: 53-7021 O*NET: 53-7021.00
Median Salary
$66,370
per year
Job Growth
➑️ 3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Overview

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Distribution by Percentile

Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.

10th
$39,822
25th
$53,096
50th (Median)
$66,370
75th
$79,644
90th
$99,555

Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.

Typical Benefits Package

Health & Wellness

  • βœ“Health Insurance
  • βœ“Dental Insurance
  • βœ“Vision Insurance
  • βœ“Mental Health Support
  • βœ“Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits

  • βœ“401(k) Retirement Plan
  • βœ“Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
  • βœ“Profit Sharing
  • βœ“Stock Options
  • βœ“Performance Bonuses

Work-Life Balance

  • βœ“Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
  • βœ“Paid Sick Leave
  • βœ“Flexible Work Arrangements
  • βœ“Remote Work Options
  • βœ“Parental Leave

Professional Development

  • βœ“Tuition Reimbursement
  • βœ“Professional Certifications
  • βœ“Conference Attendance
  • βœ“Training Programs
  • βœ“Mentorship Opportunities

Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.

Job Market Intelligence

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:42,300

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+3%
Annual Openings:3,800

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)42,300
Current
2034 (Projected)43,500
+3%
+1,300
Employment Change
+3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: As fast as average

Key Growth Factors

  • β€’Average growth expected

Top Skills

βœ“
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
βœ“
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
βœ“
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
βœ“
Monitoring
Monitoring
βœ“
Active Listening
Active Listening
βœ“
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
βœ“
Speaking
Speaking
βœ“
Time Management
Time Management
βœ“
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making

Key Knowledge Areas

βœ“
Mechanical
βœ“
Mathematics

Education & Training

Education Required

Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree

Experience Required

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required

Job Training

Training of more than one year