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Assistant Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Bratt Tree Company

Crane Operator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

This full-time, year-round position involves operating one of our three truck cranes (20-ton, 40-ton, or Effer Grapple Saw Crane) to assist tree crews with tree removal and arborist work, primarily ...

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 ...

SMITH ROWE, LLC

Crane Operator

Catawba, NC · On-site

Crane Operator A Crane Operator is responsible for operating cranes to lift, move, position, and ... Complete any other required logs, reports, and documentation related to crane operations. * Assist ...

ORANGE CORROSION SERVICES

Crane Operator

Orange, CA · On-site

Crane Operator The main office is in Orange. Work will be in the Long Beach, Carson, and Torrance ... Monitor crane operations to detect any malfunction or unsafe conditions. * Assist with setup ...

Fred Smith Company

Crane Operator

Catawba, NC · On-site

Crane Operator A Crane Operator is responsible for operating cranes to lift, move, position, and ... Complete any other required logs, reports, and documentation related to crane operations. * Assist ...

Performance Energy Services

CRANE OPERATOR

Gray, LA · On-site

Perform a pre-inspection on any equipment operated * Assist in the maintenance and routine housekeeping of the work area and equipment being used * Manipulate crane controls in a safe manner and ...

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

The Crane Operator will operate a variety of friction or hydraulic lattice boom cranes with lifting ... Inspect the rigging before lifting operations and ensure precise load placements. * Assist in the ...

Essel Environmental

Crane Operator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Crane Operator Essel is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Crane Operator to join our team. In ... Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on cranes and equipment as necessary. * Assist in ...

The Walsh Group

Crane Operator

Hutto, TX · On-site

Crane Operator Archer Western Construction is currently seeking a Crane Operator for the Central ... to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Our employees are built to succeed.

Building Crafts, Inc.

Crane Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

The crane operator position requires general construction knowledge on water and wastewater ... Maintain crane logs and repair reports * Assist Superintendent in developing crane lift plans ...

Essel

Crane Operator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on cranes and equipment as necessary. * Assist in ... Valid crane operator certification/license as per local regulations. * Strong understanding of ...

BDI Marine Contractors, LLC

Crane Operator

Stuart, FL · On-site

Position Summary The Crane Operator is responsible for safely operating cranes and lifting ... Maintain clean and orderly equipment and work areas. * Assist with general site duties when crane ...

Bratt Tree

Crane Operator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

This full-time, year-round position involves operating one of our three truck cranes (20-ton, 40-ton, or Effer Grapple Saw Crane) to assist tree crews with tree removal and arborist work, primarily ...

Stabbert Maritime

Crane Operator

$108K - $144K/yr

Crane Operator Stabbert Maritime/Stabbert Offshore is a Seattle-based maritime company focused on ... Conduct pre-operational inspections and identify mechanical or safety issues * Assist with crane ...

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Assistant Crane Operator information

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$14

$28

$40

How much do assistant crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant crane operator in the United States is $28.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $33.17 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.
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Assistant Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Crane Operator

Crane Operator

Crofton

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Crane Operator

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. 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.

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