Crane and tower operators work on construction sites using cable equipment and mechanical boom and cables to move and lift machines and materials.
As a crane and tower operator you will use several different kinds of cranes including radio controlled, jib, ringer, overhead, wood yard, friction, scrap, port and mobile cranes.
You will also use hammers, spreaders, buckets, lifting clamps, shackles, screwdrivers and anti-block devices. Crane and tower operators employ different kinds of software including crane operation control, data entry and inventory tracking software.
If you are a good communicator, listener, instructor, decision maker and critical thinker, you will probably do well as a crane and tower operator. People with this job are also good at using their hands, choosing what equipment is appropriate for situations and have a good reaction time.
To land this job you will need an associate’s degree so you will have a working knowledge of math, building, construction, mechanics and education and training. Be sure to look at what programs are being offered in many locations.
The average hourly wage for crane and tower operators is about $20 and the average annual income is about $41,000.