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Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Apprentice Crane Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do apprentice crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 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 is an Apprentice Crane Operator job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apprentice Crane Operator position, and why are they important?

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.

What does a crane operator apprentice do?

A crane operator apprentice assists experienced crane operators by learning to operate cranes, perform safety checks, and understand load calculations. They gain hands-on experience with crane controls, safety protocols, and may work under supervision to develop their skills for certification and full responsibility. The apprenticeship typically includes classroom instruction and practical training in construction or industrial environments.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship trade?

Apprentice crane operators can earn competitive wages, especially in high-demand construction and industrial sectors. Generally, trades such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships tend to offer higher starting wages and growth potential compared to other trades, with some reaching over $50,000 annually after completing the apprenticeship and gaining experience. Certification, specialized skills, and working in certain regions can also influence earning potential.

How much does a crane apprentice make?

A crane apprentice typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Apprentices often receive on-the-job training and may earn higher wages as they gain skills and certifications such as crane operation licenses.

Is it worth becoming a crane operator?

Becoming an apprentice crane operator can lead to a stable career with opportunities for advancement, as it involves learning skills such as operating heavy equipment and obtaining certifications like a crane operator license. The job typically offers competitive pay, benefits, and the chance to work on large construction projects, but it also requires physical fitness and adherence to safety regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:
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Apprentice Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Crane Operator job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 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.
Industrial Electrical Technician - Crane Repair

Industrial Electrical Technician - Crane Repair

Arconic

Bettendorf, IA • On-site

$24.25 - $32.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Arconic rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description
Arconic is currently in search of an Electrical Technician to join our team in Davenport, IA. At Arconic, our goal is to be the best company in the world! Arconic is the world's leading producer and manager of light-weight materials. Arconic serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production, and other capabilities of Arconic's businesses as a single solution to customers.
Since it opened in 1948, Arconic's Davenport, Iowa aluminum facility has been at the forefront of American manufacturing. Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River in Iowa, the plant employs 2,400 people and is a focal point of the global aluminum industry, with 25 percent of revenues coming from exports. Through continued modernization, including a $500 million investment over the past decade alone, Davenport has maintained its position as the world's premier aerospace and automotive supply plant.
Responsibilities
  • Support and maintain a safe work place by active involvement in the safety processes, and leading by example by supporting Arconic's EHS policies and values.
  • Provide technical & tactical support and leadership on planned and un-planned equipment breakdowns and outages on production centers; provide technical support on specialized equipment such as Direct Fire melt furnaces. Allen Bradley Programmable Controllers, RS Logics and AC/DC drives. Also provides assistance to Engineering on tune up, check out, and commissioning of new and revised equipment.
  • Train and mentor Unit Supervisors and craftspeople, enabling continuous technical skills improvement throughout the organization.
  • Support the Lead Operator process.
  • Support up-skilling of crafts people. Develop and execute training plans.
  • Lead the effort in development of SOP's, WIP's and related procedures on new and existing equipment; provide training on the procedures.
  • Provide technical input to preventative and predictive maintenance systems.
  • Ensure long term viability of existing equipment by recommending and implementing changes and improvements to control systems or equipment to increase equipment reliability.
  • Lead problem solving and root cause analysis efforts, providing documentation and record retention on technical related issues.
  • Assist in critical spare parts management.
  • Apply the Arconic Business Systems concepts and Stability Tools into your daily activities, ensuring that critical maintenance processes are integrated into day-to-day operations.
  • This position will require the candidate to be flexible with hours, as hours for this role will be dependent on business needs. (Generally, M-F 7am-4pm but will require off shift support as needed)

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution
  • Minimum of 3 years' electrical experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Pass a electrical proficiency exam.
  • Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Completion of a recognized electrical apprenticeship, four years on the job training or electrical degree from an accredited technical college or institution
  • Broad electrical experience, with a preference for knowledge of Industrial Cranes
  • Experience with medium and high voltage systems
  • Experience with network systems
  • Strong ability to read electrical drawings, troubleshoot to root cause, and implement repairs to restore flow of equipment
  • Experience applying knowledge on PLC programming and troubleshooting, ac & dc motors, and variable speed drives
  • Combustion systems experience or Commercial/Industrial Boilers
  • Process control and instrumentation principles

About Us
Arconic Corporation is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions, as well as innovative architectural products, that advance the automotive, aerospace, commercial transportation, industrial and building and construction markets. Building on more than a century of innovation, Arconic helps to transform the way we fly, drive, and build.
We live our core values and commit to delivering sustainable value to our customers, our employees, our communities and our stakeholders.
At Arconic, we:
Act With Integrity : We lead with respect, honesty, transparency and accountability.
Safeguard our Future : We protect and improve the health and safety of our employees, communities and environment.
Grow Stronger Together : We cultivate an inclusive and diverse culture that advocates for equity.
Earn Customer Loyalty : We build customer partnerships through best-in-class products and service.
Drive Operational Excellence : We pursue continuous improvement through innovation, agility, people development and collaboration.
Create Value : We achieve success by generating and growing value for our stakeholders.
This position is subject to Export Control Law: This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. §730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Authorizations from the relevant government agency may be required to meet export control compliance requirements.
United States EEO Statement: Arconic Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

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