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Crane Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Advastar, Inc

Certified Crane Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$42/hr

#jobalert | W2 CONTRACT | CRANE OPERATOR | INDUSTRIAL PLANT EXPANSION | North of Indianapolis, IN A specialty industrial contractor needs a crane operator on a hammer mill expansion in north central ...

Advastar, Inc

Certified Crane Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$42/hr

#jobalert | W2 CONTRACT | CRANE OPERATOR | INDUSTRIAL PLANT EXPANSION | North of Indianapolis, IN A specialty industrial contractor needs a crane operator on a hammer mill expansion in north central ...

Magic Coil Products

Crane Operator

Butler, IN · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Crane Operator- Operate a 25/35 ton overhead crane to load or unload trucks, rail cars, and feed steel coil to be slit. Benefits include: WEEKLY ATTENDANCE BONUS! EXTRA $1/HR FOR PERFECT ATTENDNACE ...

Levy

Crane Operator, IFS

Chesterton, IN · On-site

The Crane Operator will operate a power-driven crane equipped with a magnet, perform visual inspection of any maintenance needed to gantry crane and yard on a per shift basis, as well as load/unload ...

EDW. C. Levy CO.

Crane Operator, IFS

Chesterton, IN · On-site

The Crane Operator will operate a power-driven crane equipped with a magnet, perform visual inspection of any maintenance needed to gantry crane and yard on a per shift basis, as well as load/unload ...

reliance

Crane Operator

Portage, IN · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

We are seeking a full-time Crane Operator to join our fast-paced steel service center. Safety is our number one priority, and team members are expected to follow all safety procedures, perform ...

NCW

Crane Operator

Indianapolis, IN

May require state certification or operator license. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. * Possess NCCCO certification * Use of crane to lift ...

Ursitti Enterprises LLC

Overhead crane operator

Gary, IN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Overhead Crane Operator Location: Gary, Indiana Company: Steel Service Center Employment Type: Full-Time Shift: 1st and 2nd Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Overhead Crane ...

OmniSource

1st Shift Crane Operator

Goshen, IN · On-site

Job Title Crane Operator Responsibilities Responsibilities: * Operate hydraulic crane to identify and cut metals, and load into trucks and railcars * Upgrade material when possible * Feed baler

SavATree LLC

Certified Crane Operator

Indianapolis, IN

$30 - $35/hr

Industry-leading tools and resources, with an emphasis on safety and quality Position Summary As a Crane Operator on our General Tree Care team, you'll be part of the muscle of our operation--helping ...

SavATree LLC

Certified Crane Operator

Carmel, IN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Industry-leading tools and resources, with an emphasis on safety and quality Position Summary As a Crane Operator on our General Tree Care team, you'll be part of the muscle of our operation--helping ...

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All JobsCrane Operator JobsCrane Operator Jobs in Indiana

Crane Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$14

$26

$38

How much do crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for crane operator in Indiana is $26.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a crane operator do?

A Crane Operator is a professional heavy machine operator, specializing in cranes. Cranes are a unique kind of heavy equipment that uses pulley systems to move around, raise, and lower large items, such as shipping containers and steel beams. A Crane Operator is in charge of moving these things where they need to go, safely and efficiently. The also log their work, discuss and plan with their team, and perform basic maintenance on their machine.

What does a crane operator do?

A crane operator is responsible for operating cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials on construction sites, in warehouses, or at industrial facilities. They must carefully control the crane’s movements using levers, pedals, or computerized controls while following strict safety protocols. Crane operators also inspect their equipment, ensure loads are balanced, and communicate with ground crews to complete tasks efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crane operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, load calculations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and crane operator certification (such as NCCCO). Familiarity with rigging equipment, load charts, and control systems is essential, along with the ability to interpret blueprints and site plans. Strong attention to detail, communication, and situational awareness are vital soft skills for managing complex lifts and working with ground crews. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise lifting operations on construction or industrial sites.

What are some common challenges crane operators face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as working in variable weather conditions, maintaining clear communication with ground crews, and ensuring safety in busy construction environments. To address these, operators rely on standardized hand signals, two-way radios, and regular safety briefings. Additionally, ongoing training and certification help operators stay updated on the latest safety protocols and equipment technology, ensuring efficient and secure operations.

What is the difference between Crane Operator vs Rigger?

AspectCrane OperatorRigger
CertificationsCrane operator license, OSHA certificationRigger certification, OSHA certification
Work EnvironmentOperate cranes on construction sites, industrial settingsSet up and secure loads, assist crane operation
Industry UsageConstruction, shipping, manufacturingConstruction, shipping, industrial

Crane operators and riggers often work together on construction sites. While crane operators focus on operating the crane, riggers handle load setup and safety. Both roles require OSHA certifications and are essential for safe lifting operations in similar environments.

Are crane operators well paid?

Crane operators typically earn competitive wages that vary by experience, location, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual salary for crane operators is around $60,000, with experienced operators earning over $80,000. Certifications and working in specialized environments can also influence pay rates.

How hard is it to get a crane operator license?

Obtaining a crane operator license typically requires completing specialized training, gaining hands-on experience, and passing written and practical exams. Licensing requirements vary by region but generally involve demonstrating knowledge of safety protocols, equipment operation, and industry standards.

How much do crane operators make?

Crane operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with wages varying based on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Skilled operators with certifications and experience can earn higher wages, especially in construction, manufacturing, or shipping environments. Overtime and shift differentials may also increase total earnings.
More about Crane Operator jobs

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For Crane Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crane Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,524 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Certified Crane Operator

Advastar, Inc

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$42/hr

Per diem

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

#jobalert | W2 CONTRACT | CRANE OPERATOR | INDUSTRIAL PLANT EXPANSION | North of Indianapolis, IN

A specialty industrial contractor needs a crane operator on a hammer mill expansion in north central Indiana. The work is setting equipment and steel for a new building, plus crane support through a plant shutdown in the middle of the run. The machine is a 60-ton Grove and it is the only crane on the expansion.

  • $42.00/hour
  • ~9 weeks anticipated | 5 days/week, 10-hour shifts
  • ~10-day shutdown starting 09.21.2026 — 7 days/week, 12-hour shifts
  • $100.00/day per diem, paid on 7 days
  • $0.50/mile, mob in/out, paid on successful completion
  • Requires CCO certification with large hydraulic endorsement [TLL]
  • Project is about 1.5 hours north of Indianapolis, IN
  • Start date: 08.31.2026

Overview

  • Run a 60-ton Grove safely and inside the load chart, as the only crane on the expansion
  • Set up for each pick — configuration, counterweight, outrigger position, radius
  • Set equipment and structural steel for a new hammer mill building
  • Support the plant shutdown starting 09.21.2026 — heavy crane use, 7/12s for about 10 days
  • Perform and document daily crane inspections
  • Coordinate lifts with the site superintendent and the rigging crew
  • Work 50-hour weeks outside the shutdown window and finish the full run

Skills & Experience

Required

  • CCO certification with large hydraulic endorsement, current and unexpired
  • Experience operating the same or similar crane — 60-ton class Grove hydraulic truck or rough terrain crane
  • Available to start the week of 08.31.2026 and commit to the full run, including the shutdown

Ideal

  • Shutdown, turnaround, or outage experience — 7/12s for a sustained stretch
  • Track record of finishing out-of-town runs, not short stints
  • Equipment setting and steel work at an operating processing or manufacturing plant

KEYWORDS

NCCCO, CCO, certified crane operator, large hydraulic, hydro crane operator, mobile crane operator, hydraulic truck crane, telescopic boom crane, boom truck operator, rough terrain crane, RT crane, all terrain crane, Grove, Grove RT, Grove TMS, 60 ton crane, 70 ton crane, load chart, critical pick, rigging, rigger, signalperson, lift plan, equipment setting, structural steel erection, millwright, hammer mill, grain elevator, feed mill, ethanol plant, agricultural processing, plant expansion, capital project, turnaround, shutdown, outage, 7/12s, industrial construction, heavy equipment operator, crane technician, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, W2 contract, per diem, travel, per diem travel job, Logansport Indiana, Kokomo Indiana, Lafayette Indiana, Peru Indiana, Cass County Indiana, North Central Indiana, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne

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