ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Container Terminal Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Logistec

Crane Operator - Terminal

Houston, TX · On-site

... the terminal operations department. The Crane Operator ensures cargo is handled safely and ... Lift position and place machinery, equipment, containers and cargo as directed. * Properly set-up ...

Enstructure

Port Crane Operator

East Haven, CT · On-site

Our New Haven terminal is a key hub in our network, and we are looking for a dedicated professional ... Safely and efficiently operate ship cranes & shore cranes, container handlers, forklifts, yard ...

Enstructure New Haven

Port Crane Operator

New Haven, CT · On-site

Our New Haven terminal is a key hub in our network, and we are looking for a dedicated professional ... Safely and efficiently operate ship cranes & shore cranes, container handlers, forklifts, yard ...

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

... repair of marine terminals, dock facilities, and/or railroad bridges. JOB DUTIES AND ... containers, or cargo. * Utilize load charts to ensure lifts are performed within the determined ...

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

... repair of marine terminals, dock facilities, and/or railroad bridges. JOB DUTIES AND ... containers, or cargo. * Utilize load charts to ensure lifts are performed within the determined ...

Cooper Mooring

Crane Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

Crane Operators Crane Operators at Cooper Marine - Terminal on the Mobile, AL waterfront support stevedoring and terminal operations by primarily servicing and operating land based and barge mounted ...

Cooper Mooring

Crane Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

Crane Operators Crane Operators at Cooper Marine - Terminal on the Mobile, AL waterfront support stevedoring and terminal operations by primarily servicing and operating land based and barge mounted ...

The Cooper Group, Inc.

Crane Operator

Mobile, AL

Description Crane Operators at Cooper Marine - Terminal on the Mobile, AL waterfront support stevedoring and terminal operations by primarily servicing and operating land based and barge mounted ...

Radius Recycling

Crane Operator

Portland, ME · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Crane Operator Compensation: $24-$27 per hour The Crane Operator reports to the Terminal Operations ... Load or unload bundles from trucks or move material to or from containers using moving equipment.

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

Brownsville, TX · On-site

... repair of marine terminals, dock facilities, and/or railroad bridges. JOB DUTIES AND ... containers, or cargo. * Utilize load charts to ensure lifts are performed within the determined ...

Cooper Marine

Crane Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Crane Operators at Cooper Marine - Terminal on the Mobile, AL waterfront support stevedoring and terminal operations by primarily servicing and operating land based and ...

Cooper Marine

Crane Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

Crane Operators at Cooper Marine - Terminal on the Mobile, AL waterfront support stevedoring and terminal operations by primarily servicing and operating land based and barge mounted cranes. Will ...

Radius Recycling

Crane Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Crane Operator Compensation: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour The Crane Operator reports to the Terminal ... Load or unload bundles from trucks or move material to or from containers using moving equipment.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsHeavy Equipment JobsCrane Operator JobsContainer Terminal Crane Operator Jobs

Container Terminal Crane Operator information

See salary details

$13

$21

$28

How much do container terminal crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for container terminal crane operator in the United States is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a container terminal crane operator?

Container Terminal Crane Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating large cranes at shipping ports and container terminals. Their main duty is to safely load and unload shipping containers from cargo ships, moving them to and from trucks, trains, or storage yards. They must ensure efficient and precise handling of containers to prevent accidents and maintain the flow of goods. Operators work at considerable heights and require specialized training to manage the sophisticated controls and safety systems of these cranes. The role is essential in global trade, supporting the timely movement of goods across international supply chains.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a container terminal crane operator?

To thrive as a Container Terminal Crane Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and a valid heavy equipment operator license or certification. Familiarity with terminal operating systems, remote control technologies, and safety monitoring equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These capabilities ensure the safe, efficient, and precise movement of containers, minimizing operational risks and delays in busy port environments.

What are some common challenges faced by container terminal crane operators, and how can they be managed?

Container Terminal Crane Operators frequently deal with challenges such as working in all weather conditions, maintaining high concentration during long shifts, and coordinating closely with ground personnel to ensure safety and efficiency. Communication is key, as operators must stay in constant contact with team members to avoid accidents and handle changing priorities. Adhering to safety protocols and participating in regular training helps manage these challenges and ensures smooth terminal operations.

What is the difference between Container Terminal Crane Operator vs Dockworker?

AspectContainer Terminal Crane OperatorDockworker
CredentialsCertifications in crane operation, OSHA safety trainingBasic safety training, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentOperate cranes in port terminalsManual handling and loading/unloading cargo
Industry UsagePort and shipping industryShipping, logistics, and freight handling

The main difference is that Container Terminal Crane Operators focus on operating cranes to move containers efficiently within port terminals, requiring specialized certifications. Dockworkers handle manual cargo loading and unloading, often working alongside crane operators. Both roles are essential in port operations but differ in skills, responsibilities, and work processes.

What are popular job titles related to Container Terminal Crane Operator jobs?

For Container Terminal Crane Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Container Terminal Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,418 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Rail Terminal Crane Operator

Fairmont City, IL • On-site

Rail Management Services
Trucking • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Rail Management Servicesexternal

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

We are hiring Crane Operators immediately to join our team in a recession-proof industry working at the Fairmont City Rail terminal! This is a full-time, permanent position with an essential business. You'll be working for the #1 intermodal rail contractor in the United States! Experience is required. This is a 24/7/365 operation 
Copy and Paste the below YouTube Video to watch what you'll be doing if you join our team! 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uriQMlaUUsI (You can fast forward to the 2:08 mark)

The starting Rate of pay is $18.00
The shift will be discussed during the interview process.
Accept to work some holidays and every weekend.
Benefits: (Medical benefits start after 60 days and the first of the month after that. Other benefits start after your 90-day probationary period).
  • Affordable Healthcare, Free Dental, and cheap Vision Benefits.
  • Free Life Insurance.
  • 6 paid holidays, paid personal days.
  • $100 boot reimbursement.
  • 401K.
  • Yearly Raises.
  • Vacation Pay (received on yearly anniversary).
  • Weekly Pay.

Essential Responsibilities:
  •  Responsible for the daily operation of the overhead or side loader crane, while loading and unloading containers and trailers to railcars. This will include locking and unlocking container chassis, trailer hitches, IBCs, and bolsters.
  • Perform daily pre-inspection to verify the conditions of the tires, oil levels/leaks, hydraulics, lights, flashers, radio, damage, and camera.
  • Ensure all safety equipment is operating properly, including the location and condition of the fire extinguisher.
  • Activate work assignments through the use of the onboard computer system.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when operating loading equipment to ensure all processes are followed to maintain a safe and injury-free work environment.
  • Ability to verify container, chassis, and trailer numbers accurately.
  • Ensure clear communication is met with the Ground Person and/or other personnel.
  • From time to time, provide hosting and ground person activities to complement work conditions and volumes.
  • All other duties as assigned.
Applicants for the Crane Operator position must meet the general requirements for employment with the company, according to the Company hiring process which includes:
  • Railroad Crane Experience is preferred.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License
  • Must be able to pass a 7-year background check, a drug test, and a Physical Capabilities Test.
  • No GED or High School Diploma required

This job would be suitable for persons with prior railroad experience, prior railroad crane experience, and those with crane experience in other fields of work. 
You'll be employed directly by Pacific Rail Services and will not be an employee of the Railroad