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Crane Operators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator - Classification - Operating Engineer - Union (OE3) Friction/Conventional Job Summary: The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on ...

Crane Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$34.41 - $68.18/hr

Crane Operator - Classification - Operating Engineer - Union (OE3) Friction/Conventional Job Summary: The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on ...

You will complete operator's daily checklist to document pre and post crane inspections. You will work from hand, radio and other approved types of signals to position items where there is restricted ...

You will complete operator's daily checklist to document pre and post crane inspections. You will work from hand, radio and other approved types of signals to position items where is there restricted ...

You will complete operator's daily checklist to document pre and post crane inspections. You will work from hand, radio and other approved types of signals to position items where there is restricted ...

You will serve as a CRANE OPERATOR in the PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION of NAVFAC SOUTHWEST. This position is being recruited for the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) and may ...

Showing results 21-40

Crane Operators information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$39

How much do crane operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for crane operators in California is $27.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Crane Operators vs Tower Crane Operators?

AspectCrane OperatorsTower Crane Operators
CertificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA safety trainingCrane operator certification, tower crane-specific training
Work EnvironmentOperate various mobile and stationary cranes on construction sitesOperate tower cranes primarily on high-rise construction sites
Industry UsageConstruction, shipping yards, industrial facilitiesHigh-rise building construction, large-scale infrastructure projects

Crane Operators and Tower Crane Operators both require similar certifications and work in construction environments. However, Tower Crane Operators specialize in operating tower cranes used for tall building projects, whereas Crane Operators may work with a variety of crane types across different settings.

Are crane operators well paid?

Crane operators typically earn competitive wages that vary by location, experience, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual salary for crane operators in many regions exceeds the national average for construction workers, with additional earnings possible through overtime and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment or certifications tend to earn higher pay.

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.

Is being a crane operator a good career?

Crane operators play a vital role in construction and industrial projects, operating heavy machinery to lift and move materials. The job often requires certification, physical skill, and attention to safety, with opportunities for advancement and competitive wages in the industry. It can be a stable career for those with technical skills and a willingness to work in various environments and schedules.

What job categories do people searching Crane Operators jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Crane Operators jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Crane Operators jobs?

Cities in California with the most Crane Operators job openings:

Infographic showing various Crane Operators job openings in California 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 $57,586 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Crane Operator

Sealaska

Vallejo, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Crane Operator - Classification - Operating Engineer - Union (OE3) Friction/Conventional
Job Summary:
The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine terminals. This role ensures the secure lifting, movement, and placement of cargo and equipment while adhering to strict safety protocols and operational standards. The position requires technical expertise, precision, and strong communication skills to coordinate with teams in dynamic marine environments.
Only local applicants will be considered, no relocation.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Operate marine cranes safely and efficiently, manipulating controls to regulate speed and movement of loads.
• Monitor crane performance and ensure compliance with operational guidelines.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, regulations, and company policies.
• Conduct pre-lift briefings (toolbox talks) and maintain safe exclusion zones.
• Verify rigging and load charts are correctly followed for each lift.
• Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance, including lubrication, cleaning, and function checks.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report any mechanical issues or malfunctions.
• Conduct minor repairs as needed.
• Interpret and execute lift plans, ensuring load weights are within the crane's capacity.
• Assess environmental and operational conditions to confirm safe lifting conditions.
• Communicate with the vessel's bridge, deck crew, and/or rig teams via 2-way radio and visual signals.
• Work collaboratively to ensure smooth and precise lifting operations.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Experience as a crane operator in marine, offshore, or industrial environments.
• Valid certifications/licenses as required by local or international maritime regulations (e.g., API, OPITO, or equivalent). NCCCO Certification required.
• Knowledge of lifting operations, load charts, and rigging practices.
• Ability to pass required medical and fitness-to-work examinations.
• Friction/Conventional crane experience required.
Education and Experience:
• Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• Crane Operation required, Marine experience preferred.
• NCCCO Certification required.
Working Conditions:
The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Setting: Work aboard vessels, offshore rigs, and marine ports/terminals.
• Conditions: Exposure to variable weather and sea conditions. Will require rotating shifts, overtime, and extended periods of travel.
Physical Demands:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in physically demanding environments.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time.
This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
This position is a Union role - Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3)
Hourly rate is based on current status in OE3 - Fringe Benefit details are additional and not listed below.
OE3 Apprentice rates are as follows: $34.41-$53.18
OE3 Operator rates are as follow: $58.04-$68.18
Review the Benefits associated with this position: https://www.sealaska.com/benefits/
Who is Sealaska? Established in 1972, Sealaska is the Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska. Our 23,000 shareholders are Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people with more than 10,000 years of ancestral ties to the oceans, forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection. CS Marine Constructors, Inc. is a subsidiary of Sealaska.
We are committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and goal achievement for all our employees. As a subsidiary of a Native-owned company, CS Marine Constructors, Inc. is proud to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace, with respect for the cultural traditions in the communities where we operate.
CS Marine Constructors, Inc, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. However, preference may be extended to an enrolled member of a federally-recognized Indian Tribe.*
*"Indian Tribe" means an Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 668; 43 U.S.C. 1601) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.