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Contract Crane Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Contract Crane Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$29

$42

How much do contract crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract crane operator in Portland, OR is $29.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.93 and $35.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract crane operator?

A Contract Crane Operator is a skilled professional who operates cranes on a contractual basis for various construction, industrial, or logistical projects. They are responsible for safely lifting, moving, and positioning heavy materials using different types of cranes. Unlike full-time employees, contract crane operators typically work on a project-by-project basis, often for multiple employers. They must have proper certifications, experience, and knowledge of safety protocols to ensure efficient and secure operations.

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

Contract Crane Operators require in-depth knowledge of crane operations, load calculations, and site safety, typically gained through experience and relevant certifications such as NCCCO or equivalent. Mastery of various crane types, rigging equipment, and safety management systems is often necessary. Reliability, strong communication, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for collaborating with site teams and maintaining safety. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient heavy lifting, minimize workplace accidents, and support seamless project execution.

What are some common challenges faced by contract crane operators on the job?

Contract Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to different job sites with varying terrain and weather conditions, as well as adjusting to diverse equipment and safety protocols. They must also carefully coordinate with ground crews, project managers, and other trades to ensure each lift goes smoothly and safely. Time management and rapid problem-solving are frequently required, especially when unexpected site issues arise. Successfully overcoming these challenges helps operators maintain high safety standards and project timelines, making them valuable contributors to any construction or industrial team.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Contract Crane Operator jobs in Portland, OR?

For Contract Crane Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Contract Crane Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,881 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

$40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT - Millwright / Civil
Precision Industrial Contractors, Inc. is seeking a Millwright Superintendent for immediate hire.
This is a traveling position, PIC works coast to coast across the United States and Canada
MUST HAVE HEAVY INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE AND BE A LEGAL US RESIDENT TO BE CONSIDERED
You are a fit if you:
  • Have excellent leadership skills
  • Possess a good attitude
  • Ability to create a daily schedule and follow a plan
  • Possess excellent communication skills
  • Advanced problem solving skills
  • Ability to effectively manage and lead a crew safely

Millwright Requirements and Responsibilities:
  • Oversees, supervises, and performs the daily construction activities at a work site.
  • Responsible for safety, scope, budget, and schedule and the overall progress of the project, as well as the scheduling of workers and the delivery of equipment and materials.
  • Works with contractors to complete project within the given budget and time frame.
  • Resolves contract disputes and arranges any necessary order changes.
  • Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Leads and directs the work of Millwrights.
  • Read blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures. Dismantle machinery or equipment, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
  • Moves machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
  • Assembles and installs equipment, such as shafting, conveyors, and tram rails, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Constructs foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials, such as wood cement, and steel.
  • Aligns machines and equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, and plumb bobs.
  • Assembles machinery and bolts, welds, rivets, or otherwise fastens them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
  • May operate engine lathe or milling machine to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.
  • Required repair and lubricate machinery and equipment.
  • Selects cables, ropes, chains, pulleys, winches, blocks, and sheaves, according to weight and size of load to be moved.
  • Attaches load with grappling devices, such as loops, wires, ropes, and chains, to crane hook.
  • Sets up, braces, and rigs hoisting equipment's, using hand tools and power wrenches.
    May direct workers engaged in hoisting of machinery and equipment.

Civil Requirements and Responsibilities:
  • Oversees, supervises, and performs the daily construction activities at a work site
  • Setting forms that hold the concrete in place
  • Cleaning and inspecting surfaces for pouring issues
  • Directing the casting of the concrete with the truck driver
  • Pouring, smoothing, and leveling concrete using a rake, trowel, float, and screed. This includes handheld tools and power tool versions
  • Monitoring the effects of the weather on the curing process
  • Applying sealing and hardening components
  • Safely operating power vibrator to ensure the concrete is compacted
  • Molding and constructing expansion joints using joiners and edging tools
  • Polishing surface using a power surfacing machine

Concrete Finisher Requirements
  • High school diploma
  • Minimum 2 years work experience as a concrete laborer or mason
  • Ability to stand for long periods
  • Ability to lift heavy materials and work long hours
  • Ability to kneel for long periods
  • Knowledge of hand-held and power tools including power vibrators, polishers, cutting saws, and edging tools
  • Able to work shifts, at night and on public holidays as required

Qualifications, Education, and Experience:
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • OSHA 30 certification
  • Rigging Certification is preferred.
  • Paper, Packaging, and/or Corrugator industry experience a plus
  • Read and interpret Blueprints
  • Procore Experience is preferred
  • Demonstrates problem-solving skills
  • Valid Drivers License

Additional Qualifications:
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen
  • Ability to acquire a DOT certification