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Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Crane Operator information

See Washington salary details

$15

$22

$33

How much do apprentice crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice crane operator in Washington is $22.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $24.76 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 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends keeping loads within three times the crane's capacity, operating within three meters of the ground, and maintaining a three-meter distance from power lines. As an apprentice crane operator, understanding and applying these safety principles helps prevent accidents and ensures safe lifting operations on site.

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 a crane operator license.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in Washington? For Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Apprentice Crane Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Apprentice Crane Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Crane Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,514 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Equipment Operator-Overhead (Dominion)

Equipment Operator-Overhead (Dominion)

Pike Corporation

Manassas, VA • On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description


Overview: The Equipment Operator position utilizes heavy equipment operation knowledge in the construction and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. You will assist your team in building, repairing, and maintaining overhead electrical distribution systems.
Job Duties
As an Equipment Operator, you will support your team by:
  • Securing the safety of yourself and others
  • Assisting fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives
  • Readily joining storm restoration efforts in times of need
  • Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner
  • Continuing training to improve technical and leadership skills

Competencies:
  • Team-Oriented
  • Self-Motivated
  • Customer Service Focused
  • Ethical and Honest
  • Dutifully follows established Safety Rules and Company Policy

Physical Aspects:
The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by a team-member to successfully perform the essential functions of their job in powerline construction.
While performing the duties of this job, team-members are regularly required to talk or hear. The team-member is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms.
The team-member is frequently required to perform rigorous physical labor; sit; climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.); or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl. Team-members frequently lift or move up to or in-excess of 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, team-members may frequently be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Team-members are occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Powerline construction work is performed outside and is subject to diverse weather conditions.
General Expectations:
  • Able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License permit within 60 days of employment
  • Able to operate heavy equipment used in powerline construction
  • Able to read/write and communicate effectively
  • Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required
  • Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required
  • Able to lift in-excess of 50 lbs.
  • Willing to work over-time when requested
  • Willing to work outside of the normal work schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for the position.

Functions to be Expected in Overhead Powerline Construction:
  • Works safely while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized and de-energized overhead work
  • Properly inspects rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Understands when to wear personal protective equipment
  • Strings overhead wire
  • Sets poles and anchors
  • Assists with installing transformers, lightening arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches and switchgear
  • Assists in replacing fuses in transformers and clears faulted circuits and systems
  • Frequently works with energized high voltage systems requiring skill and care to protect the lives of themselves and others
  • Maintains company vehicles, equipment and tools in good working order
  • Able to perform rigorous physical labor
  • Understands proper use of company radio
  • Understand basic rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying
  • Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools
  • Capable of receiving and following directions
  • Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work
  • Able to identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit
  • Must be familiar with induced voltage
  • Capable of assisting with the installation and hook up of a single-phase transformer
  • Capable of performing basic bucket rescue/escape
  • Understands the basic concepts of equipment set up and grounding
  • Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces
  • Understands minimum approach distance
  • Understands excavation and shoring requirements
  • Capable of checking voltage on transformers
  • Capable of installing and removing a service
  • Must be able to climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.) and possess the necessary tools to do so
  • Understands how and when to use Kellum grips
  • Able to identify different types of materials used in line work
  • Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather
  • Does all other related work as required to complete the job

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled
VA Approved Apprenticeship Program - GI Bill Benefits Available to Eligible Veterans
Pike Electric, LLC is a Non-union Company
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Team-members may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
About Us
About Us
Founded in 1945, Pike is a leading provider of construction, repair and engineering services for electric and gas utilities, as well as telecommunications companies with a growing portfolio of turnkey renewable projects. We work with hundreds of utility clients across the country, and we continuously expand our offerings to supply our customers with the ideas, technology, experience, manpower and equipment to perform any job.
"Essential" is the one word that sums up who we are, the work we do and what our people mean to us. Each of our employees plays a critical role in ensuring that infrastructure systems are up and running when people and businesses need them.
Pike is a family-oriented workplace with a strong culture of safety, collaboration, innovation and exceptional customer service.
About the Team
Electric
We work with utilities across the country to solve our nation's energy infrastructure challenges, from designing new transmission and distribution systems, upgrading and managing installation of the latest smart meter technologies, and integrating renewable energy sources onto the grid.