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Crane Operators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CRANE OPERATOR

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$34.29/hr

... hand signals for crane operations. 4. Performing operator inspections of cranes. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:

... hand signals for crane operations. 4. Performing operator inspections of cranes. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:

CRANE OPERATOR

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$33.14/hr

... operator inspection of cranes; and (4) Being familiar with-standard hand signals for crane operation. Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job ...

... operator inspection of cranes; and (4) Being familiar with-standard hand signals for crane operation. Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job ...

Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred. Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number, compartment location, etc.) Must be able to ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Certified TLL Crane Operator - Field Crew

Phillips Tank and Structure - Steel Valley Fabricators

Signal Hill, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Crane Operator - Phillips Tank & Structure
Phillips Tank & Structure (PTS) is seeking a Crane Operator to join our growing team. We specialize in complex, fast-paced nationwide tank repair and construction projects involving welded above-ground storage tanks, bolted tanks, and related industrial structures.
About Phillips Tank & Structure
PTS is not a typical tank construction company. Our engineering and field teams work with API 650, API 653, AWWA D100, AWWA D103, API 12D, and other major tank specifications. We build, repair, inspect, and install:
โ€ข Aluminum geodesic dome covers
โ€ข Internal floating roofs (IFRs) and mechanical shoe seals
โ€ข Liquid level gauges
โ€ข Fire protection systems
โ€ข Silo support structures
โ€ข Industrial storage tanks
โ€ข Heating and insulation systems
Our Purpose
We aim to provide long-term, meaningful work where employees take pride in their craft, support one another, and succeed as a team. We continuously improve the health, strength, and quality of our company to support our employees, families, and communities.
The PTS Difference
โ€ข Our people come first.
โ€ข Teamwork drives problem-solving.
โ€ข Safety is everyone's responsibility.
โ€ข We innovate and improve daily.
โ€ข Expectations are clear and consistent.
โ€ข Coaching and support help employees grow.
โ€ข We believe in accountability and continuous improvement.
โ€ข We strive to create a workplace employees are proud to be part of.
โ€ข Everyone contributes beyond their primary role-flexibility and willingness to support the team are core to our culture.
Position Summary
The Crane Operator plays a key role in supporting tank construction and repair projects across the United States. This position requires flexibility and a strong willingness to assist with other field responsibilities whenever crane operations are not actively in progress. Supporting the overall crew is an essential function of this role.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
โ€ข Operate and set up cranes according to job requirements and site conditions.
โ€ข Perform daily equipment and safety inspections.
โ€ข Move materials around the job site according to plans and schedules.
โ€ข Monitor crane stability and load weights.
โ€ข Work with signal personnel and ground crews to maintain safe operations.
โ€ข Perform minor equipment maintenance and report mechanical concerns promptly.
โ€ข Maintain accurate records of materials and equipment movement.
โ€ข Ensure travel and lift paths remain clear and safe.
โ€ข Assist with additional field responsibilities when crane operations are not in progress, including cleanup, fire watch, confined space attendant duties, and general crew support.
Requirements
โ€ข NCCCO TLL Certification required (additional certifications are a plus).
โ€ข Willingness to travel nationwide up to 75% of the time.
โ€ข Strong communication and organizational skills.
โ€ข Problem-solving mindset with willingness to suggest improvements.
โ€ข Excellent attendance and punctuality.
โ€ข Willingness to learn, adapt, and support the team.
โ€ข Minimum age of 18 years old.
โ€ข High school diploma or equivalent.
โ€ข Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
โ€ข Valid driver's license and willingness to authorize MVR checks.
โ€ข Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of background checks and drug/alcohol testing, where permitted by applicable law.
โ€ข Willingness to assist in other field roles is a critical requirement of this position.
โ€ข Welding experience or ability is a plus.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
โ€ข Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
โ€ข Ability to climb ladders and work at heights.
โ€ข Ability to lift, carry, and move materials consistent with job duties.
โ€ข Ability to work around heavy equipment and industrial construction environments.
โ€ข Ability to work extended hours and travel for project assignments as needed.
Benefits
โ€ข Competitive pay with annual reviews
โ€ข Health, dental, and vision insurance
โ€ข 401(k) with company match
โ€ข Strong culture of teamwork, learning, and development
โ€ข A workplace where employees are respected, supported, and given opportunities to grow