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Assistant Crane Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Crofton

Crane Operator

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Salary: $30 - $45 hour Crane Operator Job Summary: Crofton offers industry leading solutions above ... Ability to communicate and coordinate direction to others to assist with lift. Education and ...

Crofton

Crane Operator

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Crane Operator Crofton offers industry leading solutions above and below the waterline, combining ... Ability to communicate and coordinate direction to others to assist with lift. Education and ...

olive recruiting

Crane Operator

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

Crane Operator Olive Recruiting is searching for a Crane Operator for our client in the Washington ... * Assist in crane mobilization and demobilization, including assembly and disassembly tasks.

Phoenix Global

Crane Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

The Drop Ball Crane Operator is responsible for safely and effectively operating the drop ball ... Adhere to environmental controls, including dust mitigation and anti-idling procedures. * Assist ...

olive recruiting

Crane Operator

Manassas, VA · On-site

This role is responsible for operating mobile hydraulic cranes and/or lattice boom cranes to lift ... * Assist in crane mobilization and demobilization, including assembly and disassembly tasks.

Brown & Root

Crane Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown and Root

Crane Operator

Narrows, VA

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown and Root

Crane Operator

Richmond, VA

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown & Root

Crane Operator

Narrows, VA

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown & Root

Crane Operator

Richmond, VA

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown and Root

Crane Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown & Root

Crane Operator

Narrows, VA · On-site

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown & Root

Crane Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

Brown & Root

Crane Operator

Narrows, VA · On-site

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... May assist in lifting, position and securing or materials and work pieces during installation ...

BAE Systems

Crane Operator

Norfolk, VA

$29 - $35/hr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Plan and assist with critical lifts. * Set up crane for heavy lift, Plan, specify and position ...

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All JobsCrane Operator JobsAssistant Crane Operator JobsAssistant Crane Operator Jobs in Virginia

Assistant Crane Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$27

$39

How much do assistant crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant crane operator in Virginia is $27.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying crane operator?

The highest paying crane operators are typically those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and the ability to operate large or complex cranes such as tower cranes or crawler cranes. They often work in industries like oil and gas, construction, or infrastructure projects, earning salaries that can exceed $80,000 to $100,000 annually depending on location and project scope.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Crane Operators on a daily basis?

Assistant Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing worksite conditions, maintaining clear communication with the lead operator and ground crew, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They must stay alert to potential hazards, such as shifting loads or obstacles, and be proactive in assisting with equipment inspections and maintenance. Building strong teamwork skills and staying organized help manage these challenges effectively, making the work both engaging and rewarding.

What are Assistant Crane Operators?

Assistant Crane Operators are professionals who support crane operators in lifting, moving, and positioning heavy materials on construction sites or industrial facilities. They are responsible for helping with crane setup, conducting safety checks, and ensuring communication between the crane operator and ground crew. Their duties may also include rigging loads, monitoring equipment, and adhering to safety protocols. Assistant Crane Operators play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and safety during lifting operations.

Can crane operators make 300k a year?

Crane operators can potentially earn $300,000 annually, but this level of income is typically achieved through extensive experience, working in high-paying industries such as oil and gas or construction, and often involves overtime or specialized certifications. Most crane operators earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year, with top earners in certain sectors reaching higher salaries.

What is the difference between Assistant Crane Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectAssistant Crane OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA certification and basic crane operation trainingRequires OSHA certification, specialized crane operation licenses, and extensive training
Work EnvironmentAssists in crane operations on construction sites, factories, or shipping yardsOperates cranes directly in construction, shipping, or industrial settings
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares equipment, assists with rigging, and supports the crane operatorControls crane movements, loads, and unloads materials

In summary, Assistant Crane Operators support crane operations by assisting with setup and rigging, while Crane Operators are responsible for the actual operation of the crane. Both roles require safety certifications, but Crane Operators typically have more advanced licenses and responsibilities.

How much do they pay a crane operator?

The average salary for an assistant crane operator ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certified operators with more skills can earn higher wages, and some work overtime or on specialized equipment for additional pay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Crane Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation procedures, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with load charts, radio communication systems, and sometimes certification from recognized safety bodies (such as NCCCO) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and the ability to follow safety protocols are critical soft skills in this role. Mastering these competencies ensures efficient, safe crane operations and helps prevent workplace accidents.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends maintaining a minimum of 3 feet of clearance from power lines, 3 inches of clearance from other objects, and ensuring a 3-second reaction time to hazards. As an assistant crane operator, understanding and following these safety distances helps prevent accidents and ensures safe operation on site.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Virginia? For Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Crane Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Crane Operator job openings:
Assistant Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Crane Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,850 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Crane Operator

Crane Operator

Crofton

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary: $30 - $45 hour


Crane Operator


Job Summary:

Crofton offers industry leading solutions above and below the waterline, combining comprehensive expertise in all facets of commercial diving, marine construction, and crane rental & rigging. We execute our projects with safety and integrity. Crofton is a growing company with a highly collaborative and dynamic work environment. Our team members work vigorously to meet our customers needs. No two days are the same! Crofton is seeking a Crane Operator to join our team.
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The ideal Crane Operator is NCCCO certified in multiple crane types with experience in Heavy Marine Construction. The Crane Operator performs a variety of skilled mechanical duties involving crane operation, crane safety, crane lift and maintenance.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

  • Inspect, maintain, and repair crane as needed.
  • Develop and communicate lift plan prior to execution of lift.
  • Calculate load capacity utilizing crane specifications Lift, Position, and place equipment, materials, or other large objects at assigned sites.
  • Drive trucks/cranes to and from job sites and other assigned areas.
  • Operate crane in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Ability to read instructions, job information, and interpret to perform proper lift.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge of crane signals
  • Ability to read a crane load chart and perform lift in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Ability to communicate and coordinate direction to others to assist with lift.

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Possess NCCCO qualification.
  • 1-2 years experience operating a crane in a construction environment.
  • Ability to acquire TWIC Card and badges and security clearance to obtain access to various shipyards and installations.
  • CDL License (preferred)

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.
  • Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
  • Exposure to construction and marine site dangers.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
  • Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
  • Ability to respond quickly to sounds and noisy environments.
  • Able to traverse all areas of the jobsite in all types of weather; this may require walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.