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Air Crane Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$30 - $39/hr

Jobs range for setting trusses, HVAC units, pools to modular homes and industrial maintenance. Minimum 3 years crane rental experience Class A CDL NCCCO Certification Clean MVR Job is local, no Per ...

The bulk of our crane work consists of setting modular homes, HVAC units, and tree work. Jobs are daily, so you'll be home every night. Minimum Qualifications: * NCCCO certification * Valid Class A ...

The bulk of our crane work consists of setting modular homes, HVAC units, and tree work. Jobs are daily, so you'll be home every night. Minimum Qualifications: * NCCCO certification * Valid Class A ...

The bulk of our crane work consists of setting modular homes, HVAC units, and tree work. Jobs are daily, so you'll be home every night. Minimum Qualifications: * NCCCO certification * Valid Class A ...

The bulk of our crane work consists of setting modular homes, HVAC units, and tree work. Jobs are daily, so you'll be home every night. Minimum Qualifications: * NCCCO certification * Valid Class A ...

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Utilize multi-function electric or air-crane (where available) to lift, move, load, and unload parts to perform work center functions * Properly fill out all paperwork and keep good housekeeping ...

$18 - $24/hr

Operate electric or air-powered crane/forklift. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS * Lift/pull/push. Continuously walk or move from one machine to as many as five. Physically, load and unload parts up to 40 ...

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Operate electric or air-powered crane/forklift. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS * Lift/pull/push. Continuously walk or move from one machine to as many as five. Physically, load and unload parts up to 40 ...

Be Seen First

Willingness to travel by land and air Preferred Qualifications: * History of working with different forms of mobile crane equipment, specifically RTs, All Terrains and Truck Cranes. * Sets a positive ...

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Air Crane information

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$16

$30

$40

How much do air crane jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for air crane in the United States is $30.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air crane?

An air crane is a type of heavy-lift helicopter specifically designed for transporting large or heavy loads by air. These helicopters are often used in construction, firefighting, logging, and disaster relief operations because they can carry equipment and materials to locations that are hard to reach by ground. The most well-known air crane is the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane, which is capable of lifting up to 20,000 pounds. Air cranes are equipped with powerful engines and specialized rigging systems to safely lift and maneuver oversized cargo.

What are some common challenges faced by air crane pilots during wildfire operations?

Air Crane pilots often encounter challenging flying conditions during wildfire operations, including reduced visibility from smoke, unpredictable wind patterns, and the need for precise maneuvering in rugged terrain. Coordination with ground crews and other aircraft is essential to ensure safety and effective water drops. Additionally, long hours and rapid response times can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring pilots to maintain high levels of focus and situational awareness throughout their shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air crane operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Crane Operator, you need advanced piloting skills, in-depth mechanical knowledge, and proper licensure such as a commercial helicopter pilot license with specialized training in heavy-lift operations. Familiarity with flight management systems, GPS navigation, load calculation software, and adherence to aviation safety protocols is essential. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and decision-making under pressure are critical soft skills for this high-stakes role. These capabilities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and precise lifting operations, often in challenging environments like firefighting, construction, or disaster response.

What is the difference between Air Crane vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectAir CraneHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Heavy Lift HelicoptersCommercial Pilot License, Rotorcraft-Helicopter Rating
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy lifting, industrial projectsTransport, rescue, tourism, general aviation
Industry UsageHeavy lifting, construction, loggingTransportation, emergency services, tourism

While both roles involve piloting helicopters, Air Crane operators specialize in heavy lifting and industrial applications, requiring specific certifications and experience in construction and logging environments. Helicopter pilots have broader roles, including transportation and rescue missions. The key difference lies in the work focus and industry applications, though both require similar pilot licenses.

What are popular job titles related to Air Crane jobs?

For Air Crane jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Air Crane job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,752 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Crane Operator

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$30 - $39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Mohler Crane has an opening for a Certified Crane Operator. This position has opportunity for growth with a family-owned reputable Crane Company.

Responsibilities include safely driving crane/boom truck to work site and properly sets up per the manufacturer’s operators manual and company rules regarding cribbing/matting. cribbing blocks or mats as required to perform job requirements of customer. Rigging, Driving Counterweight support trucks to site. Jobs range for setting trusses, HVAC units, pools to modular homes and industrial maintenance.

Minimum 3 years crane rental experience

Class A CDL

NCCCO Certification

Clean MVR

Job is local, no Per Diem

Job Type: Full-time

License/Certification:

  • CDL (Required)
  • NCCCO Certification (Required)