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Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

LOW DRAG LLC

Be Seen First

structural steel fitter

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $57K/yr

Precise alignment, on-time delivery, and teamwork with crane operators, welders, and other trades ... High school diploma or equivalent; relevant trade certificate/apprenticeship. * 2-5+ years of ...

LOW DRAG LLC

Be Seen First

structural steel fitter

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $57K/yr

Precise alignment, on-time delivery, and teamwork with crane operators, welders, and other trades ... High school diploma or equivalent; relevant trade certificate/apprenticeship. * 2-5+ years of ...

All JobsApprentice Crane Operator JobsApprentice Crane Operator Jobs in Virginia

Apprentice Crane Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$19

$29

How much do apprentice crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice crane operator in Virginia is $20.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $21.68 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Virginia are:
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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Apprentice Crane Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Apprentice Crane Operator job openings:
Apprentice Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Crane Operator job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,591 per year, or $20 per hour.

CRANE OPERATOR

East Coast Repair and Fabrication

Newport News, VA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the safe operation of a stationary or traveling crane to lift, move, position, and reposition loads. Depresses buttons, lifts levers, and ensures load is safely attached to crane before bringing it down.
This position requires the ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends, on short notice
Essential Functions:
  1. Operate crane under general supervision.
  2. Manipulate or depress crane controls to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement according to written, verbal, or signal instructions.
  3. Repair and maintain the crane as needed.
  4. Conducting a pre-operational checklist of the crane prior to operations each day.
  5. Determine if any parts are malfunctioning.
  6. Complete job tickets, service quality summaries and all other necessary paperwork.
  7. Lift, position, and place machinery, equipment or other large objects at job site or facility.
  8. Place blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing when lifting heavy loads.
  9. Move levers and pedals to rotate crane on chassis to raise and lower crane boom and to raise and lower loan-line.
  10. Bolt boom sections together to extend or modify boom for high lifting.
  11. Work with precise limits and standards of accuracy.
  12. Operate crane according to signals from helpers.
  13. Follow directions carefully.
  14. Conducting a safety brief with the crew on site prior to operations each day.
  15. Walking the job site with the Rigging Foreman or Rigging Supervisor to identify hazards
    or risks prior to operations each day.
  16. Only operating cranes IAW their training and certification, and per the Operator Manual
    and this procedure.
  17. Stopping operations for any UNSAFE issue.
  18. Placing the crane in a safe condition at the end of operations.
  19. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Graduation from a standard apprenticeship/trade/vocational school.
  2. High school diploma or GED required and 3 or more years of related experience or equivalent of training and experience.
  3. NCCCO Certifications required.
  4. Class B Driver’s License Required; Class A preferred.
  5. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, and hand signals.
  6. Ability to gain access to military installations.
  7. Excellent attention to detail.
  8. Excellent eye-hand coordination.
  9. Must pass a drug test and background check.
Physical Requirements:
  1. Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly and seek help with weights over 50 pounds.
  2. Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs/vertical ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
This is a physically demanding position and may accommodate some physical disabilities. Physical dexterity may be required when performing walk thru and inspection of job sites. In the performance of the walk thru you will be required to transverse steep stairwells, vertical ladders and bending or stooping thru tight spaces. There may be occasional lifting of materials weighing not more than 50 pounds.
Environmental Conditions:
This position works on the jobsite. There is exposure to hostile environments, loud noises, hazardous chemicals/fumes and airborne particles, smoke, extreme temperatures moving mechanical parts: high, precarious places.
During worksite visits it will be required to wear appropriate PPE including, but not limited to:
Hard hat
Ear plugs or attenuator
Safety shoes
Dust mask or respirator
Gloves

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