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Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Crane Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do apprentice crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice crane operator in Iowa is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice crane operator?

An Apprentice Crane Operator is a trainee learning to operate cranes under the supervision of experienced operators. They assist with lifting and moving heavy materials on construction sites, docks, or industrial settings. Their duties include equipment inspections, following safety protocols, and understanding load limits. This role provides hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare for certification and full operator status.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an apprentice crane operator?

As an Apprentice Crane Operator, your daily responsibilities include assisting experienced crane operators, learning to inspect and maintain equipment, and helping set up cranes for various lifts. You'll participate in safety meetings, practice rigging techniques, and work closely with site supervisors and other crew members to ensure operations run smoothly. Over time, you’ll gradually take on more complex tasks, such as performing basic crane maneuvers under supervision and understanding site blueprints. This role offers hands-on learning and is an essential first step towards becoming a fully certified crane operator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice crane operator?

To thrive as an Apprentice Crane Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Training typically involves hands-on experience with various types of cranes, use of load charts, and pursuing OSHA or NCCCO certifications. Attention to detail, willingness to follow instructions, and strong teamwork are valuable soft skills for success. These qualifications and traits ensure safe, efficient crane operation and help prevent workplace accidents in construction or industrial settings.

How long is an apprentice crane operator apprenticeship?

An apprentice crane operator apprenticeship typically lasts between 1 to 3 years, during which trainees gain hands-on experience and complete classroom instruction. The duration can vary depending on the program, state requirements, and the individual's progress, often including a combination of on-the-job training and safety certifications.

How much does an apprentice crane operator make?

An apprentice crane operator typically earns between $15 and $20 per hour, with wages increasing as they gain experience and complete certifications. Entry-level apprentices often work under supervision and may receive additional benefits depending on the employer and location.

Is it worth becoming an apprentice crane operator?

Becoming an apprentice crane operator provides hands-on training and the opportunity to earn certifications such as the NCCCO, which can lead to higher-paying positions. The role involves operating heavy equipment in construction or industrial settings and typically requires physical fitness and safety knowledge; completing an apprenticeship can improve job prospects and skill development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Crane Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,403 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Pre-Apprentice Line Mechanic

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Altoona, IA • On-site

$33.47/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled duties and may act as helper to higher-level occupations engaged in various phases of electric and gas distribution, transmission, or any other utility work. Performs the duties of Laborer.
Responsibilities
Typical Duties - Performs all work in a safe manner. Complies with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures. Performs all work that they are qualified and trained to do in a manner to protect themselves, their fellow employees and the public from injury. - Assists crews or qualified people to set or remove poles. - Assists in installing transformers on poles, platforms and pads. Loads and unloads all forms of electric transmission and distribution materials and assists in installation. - Keeps stock of construction materials in truck or on job as instructed. - Drives truck to and from job and transfers required employees, materials and equipment. - Cleans and maintains truck, mechanized equipment, regulator stations, town border stations, pole yards, substation yards, and construction sites. - Operates air tools such as paving breakers, tampers, drills, and air compressors; operates pumps, augering equipment, pushing machines, directional drilling units, and other similar equipment. - Aids and assists employees in higher classifications in connection with welding, plastic pipe joining, pipe fitting, main tapping, making main connections, operating power equipment, installing leak clamps, cleaning and coating joints, performing routine leak survey work and with other gas distribution work. - Aids and assists workmen in other classifications installing electric, gas, and other utility equipment for a project where facilities are installed in a common or non-common trench. Installs electric and gas equipment, (i.e. transformer pads, transformers, secondary enclosures, and other facilities. - Aids and assists in patrolling overhead and underground circuits onfoot, by air, or as otherwise directed to inspect as routine patrol or for damage due to storm, electrical failure, and sabotage. - Operates winch line and boom and any other mechanical driven equipment to perform any operations for which equipment is suited. Operates power-driven crane, digger, trencher, plow, backhoe, or any piece of power-driven equipment to which the employee is assigned. - Performs restoration and clean up. - Performs public contacts when necessary. - Aids and assists higher classifications in underground fault detection where applicable. - Leads, trains and instructs employees in their work.
Qualifications
- CDL required at time of or within six months of hire - Pipeline Alcohol and Drug Testing Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
About Us
MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.
About the Team
MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

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