Is a Mobile Crane Operator a Good Job?

If you’re a current job seeker, it’s important to do your research to make sure you land at a place where you can have a long-lasting career. It can be overwhelming to figure out what you want to do with your life, so let’s dive into one specific career choice to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you: mobile crane operator.

Whether you are a veteran, unemployed worker, disabled worker, or recent high school graduate, becoming a crane operator is certainly an option that you should consider. You might be thinking a few things. First, what does a crane operator do? And, most importantly, is a crane operator a good job? Let’s explore this career choice together so you can decide if being a crane operator is right for you.

What Does a Crane Operator Do?

Firstly, it’s important to understand what a crane operator does. While the day-to-day life of a crane operator may change based on the project, you can expect to be operating and maintaining different types of cranes, like the Mobile Hydraulic Telescopic Boom Swing-Cab and the Telescopic Boom Fixed-Cab cranes.

No matter the type of crane you’ll be operating, you can expect to be using heavy machinery to lift materials, objects, and equipment at commercial or residential construction sites and industrial facilities. Of course, the most important thing about this job is that you’ll need to be able to safely operate cranes and move these materials. You’ll need to assess load weights and capacities, as well as keep accurate records of crane usage. In order to make sure you’re following all the proper safety procedures, you also need to effectively communicate with other team members, like signal persons or supervisors.

Now that you know what a crane operator does, it’s time to look into career prospects, salary, and more aspects to determine if this is a good job for you.

Is a Crane Operator a Good Fit for You?

When you’re job searching, something at the top of your mind is always salary. Does this job have the type of salary that can help sustain your family? Will this job allow you to thrive, or will you struggle to live from paycheck to paycheck? Luckily, if you decide to become a crane operator, you won’t have to worry about a low salary.

According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research, in 2024 the average salary of a mobile crane operator was $80,674. Compare this to the average U.S. annual salary of $59,384 and you can see just how well paid crane operators are. Of course, it’s important to note that the more experience you have in this industry, the more money you can make. It’s not unheard of for highly skilled crane operators to make up to six figures! This type of money can absolutely change your life.

And the need for qualified crane operators is increasing! According to Recruiter.com, demand for crane operators is expected to go up by about 0.75% each year by 2029. This is certainly a stable career choice that will give you many opportunities in the years to come.

Keep in mind that you need to have the required certifications and credentials in order to be considered for jobs, so let’s look into what it takes to become a crane operator.

How to Become a Crane Operator

Companies want to hire skilled employees, which is why most look for crane operator certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). In order to be eligible for this certification, you will need to fulfill these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Comply with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy
• Pass Written Examinations (Core and at least one Specialty)
• Pass Practical Examination(s)—Candidates must pass the Practical exam within twelve months of passing the written examination
• Comply with the NCCCO Code of Ethics

You’ll also want to find a good training program that can not only help you with this certification, but one that can give you real in-the-seat field experience. You need to be able to properly operate swing and fixed cab mobile hydraulic cranes, so finding a program that gives you excellent practical experience is key.

You may want to also consider rigger and signal training in order to give you more opportunities as you look for work. This will enable you to understand the different types of signals used, as well as understanding how to operate equipment. You’ll also learn the different requirements of OSHA. This certification can enable you to find work in mining operations, construction, boat building, and more.

PTS Can Help Kickstart Your Career as a Crane Operator

Now that you know the type of training you’ll need to become a crane operator, you need to pick the best training program for you and that’s where PTS can help. We offer several courses that will help you achieve the career of your dreams.

Learn how to operate a crane at our mobile crane operator school. This is a 120 hour, three week course that gives you the skills necessary to find an entry-level position as an NCCCO certified crane operator. With both classroom and field training, you will learn how to operate a crane, as well as crane safety, preventive maintenance, wire rope and basic rigging practices.

We have your long-term career goals in mind, and once you complete the program and pass all the required exams, you will receive a five-year Mobile Crane Operator Certification from the NCCCO. With this in-demand certification, you won’t have to worry about struggling to find a job as a crane operator.

But PTS will help you long after you graduate from our programs. We are proud of the fact that 90% of our students become employed after graduation. PTS also has career assistance tools so that you will find the right job after you complete our program. In addition, you are always welcome back at PTS if you need to refresh your skills or apply for recertification.

We proudly serve a wide range of individuals, from veterans, to recent high school graduates, to disabled workers and more. We can also help you train to become a heavy equipment operator. If you want to level up your career and start the process of becoming a crane operator, reach out to PTS today. Schedule a tour and learn about our $500 tuition reduction scholarship.