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Boom Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is performed within a production environment, subject to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals ...

Boom/Crane Operator

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is performed within a production environment, subject to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals ...

Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is performed within a production environment, subject to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals ...

Industrial Painter

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Experience operating scissor lifts and boom lifts (certification preferred). * OSHA 10/30 safety certification preferred. * Physical stamina for field work in all conditions (heat/cold). Experience ...

Driver

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.51 - $29.90/hr

Must be able to judge distance while delivering materials and/or operating boom. * Must be able to communicate with management and coworkers and be able to exchange accurate information in these ...

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Boom Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$16

$27

$41

How much do boom operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for boom operator in Portland, OR is $27.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.47 and $28.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a boom operator do?

A Boom Operator is responsible for capturing high-quality audio on film and television sets. They operate a boom microphone, positioning it to clearly record dialogue while staying out of the camera frame. Boom Operators also assist the production sound mixer by managing cables and using wireless microphones when needed. Their role is crucial in ensuring crisp, clear sound for a production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boom operator?

To thrive as a Boom Operator, you need excellent audio recording skills, a keen ear for sound quality, and a solid understanding of set etiquette, often supported by experience or a degree in audio production or film. Familiarity with boom microphones, audio recorders, wireless systems, and related sound equipment is essential, and certification in audio technology can be an asset. Strong teamwork, communication, and the ability to stay focused and physically agile on set are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality location sound capture and seamless collaboration with the production crew for optimal results.

What are some common challenges faced by boom operators on set?

Boom Operators often face the challenge of capturing clean audio while avoiding shadows, staying out of camera shots, and minimizing noise from movement or the environment. Sets can be physically demanding, requiring long hours of standing, holding the boom mic in challenging positions, and adapting to rapidly changing filming conditions. Collaboration with the sound mixer and the rest of the crew is crucial to coordinate timing and ensure the best possible audio without disrupting the shooting schedule. These challenges make the role dynamic and require quick problem-solving skills as well as strong attention to detail.

What are the most commonly searched types of Boom Operator jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Boom Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Boom Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Boom Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Boom Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 83% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,579 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Operates boom and/or crane to move heavy construction material into specific areas of the yard or onto delivery truck, including rigging, planning and hoisting.  Inspects and maintains boom/crane equipment in order to ensure safety and prevent damage to equipment and surrounding structures.

What You'll Do:

  • Operates boom including rigging, planning and hoisting of a variety of heavy construction materials; performs pre-operational inspection and maintenance of boom/crane.
  • Moves material into specific areas of the yard or hoist material onto the delivery truck. 
  •  May ride along with Driver to assist in the unloading of material at the customer site.
  • Calculates the boom/crane capacities and weights and checks clearances so that buildings, hydro wires and foundation of the machine will not be damaged during operation.
  • Plans and paces own work efficiency in order to meet daily, weekly, project, or team related productivity goals.
  • Understands and observes all safety procedures and practices in order to prevent injury to self or co-workers; attends periodic safety meetings as required; may recommend changes to improve safety procedures.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and two (2) years boom and/or crane operation experience, or equivalent combination of education, training or experience.  Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification.

Work Environment / Physical Activity:

  • Work is performed within a production environment, subject to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, mechanical parts, increased noise levels and dust.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds frequently and on occasion may be required to lift and carry, with assistance, up to 200 pounds.
  • Must be able to physically operate boom equipment (climb up and down into cab, twist torso for 360 degree visibility, use arms to operate controls, etc.).