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Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Completion of a mechanical apprenticeship program * Training in precision alignment * Mobile crane operator training * Pipe Welding experience * Machining experience At Koch companies, we are ...

Apprentice Crane Operator information

See Mississippi salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do apprentice crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice crane operator in Mississippi is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.72 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 Mississippi?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Apprentice Crane Operator jobs?

Cities in Mississippi with the most Apprentice Crane Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Crane Operator job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,730 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Maintenance Mechanic

Koch Industries

Monticello, MS • On-site

$33.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
Georgia-Pacific is seeking a Maintenance Mechanic for our Monticello, MS containerboard facility. This is a highly skilled hourly position requiring a thorough understanding of safe work practices, troubleshooting, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment. This position creates value for the facility by supporting the maintenance team with preventative and corrective maintenance leading to increased uptime and reliability, as well as reducing unplanned downtime.
The regular schedule is 7:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Our Maintenance Mechanics work any shift, including holidays and weekends, and work overtime as needed, and rotate on-call duties.
This position starts at $33.51 hourly or more based on experience/ability.
Our Team
Georgia Pacific Monticello is a stable employer on 2,200 acres which employs 450 employees. This position is an opportunity to be part of a stable, rapidly expanding organization that offers a tremendous amount of growth potential.
What You Will Do
  • Precision alignment of pumps and gearboxes
  • Lead or assist Machining with small parts on lathe, key seater, milling machine for repair work
  • Lead or assist Welding, as well as fabricating structural pipes and doing repair work
  • Exchange mechanical components like pumps, gearboxes, cylinders, rolls, valves
  • Inspect machinery to identify issues that may lead to unplanned downtime
  • Adhere to all plant safety and environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures
  • Read blueprints, technical and mechanical drawings, Process & Instrument Diagrams (P&ID's) and schematics
  • Use light rigging, such as chain falls, chokers, slings, nylon belts, monorails, eyebolts, shackles, and beam clamps
  • Troubleshoot issues with bearings, chains, sprockets, gearboxes, and conveyors
  • Work with hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Use a computer for record-keeping and documentation functions
  • Perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks for an extended period, lifting, walking, climbing, twisting, and stooping

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Four (4) years or more experience as a millwright, mechanic, machinist, or welder in an industrial, manufacturing, or military environment

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience in heavy industrial plants
  • Two (2) years certificate in Industrial Maintenance Technology, Machining Technology, or Welding
  • Journeyman level experience in welding, machining, millwright
  • Completion of a mechanical apprenticeship program
  • Training in precision alignment
  • Mobile crane operator training
  • Pipe Welding experience
  • Machining experience

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day - to make everyday products even better.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter. Additionally, everyone has individual and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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