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Crane Operators Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

OmniSource

1st Shift Crane Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

No less than one year of experience operating a hydraulic crane, excavator/material handler * Ability to operate baler, wheel loader, and fork lift * Ability to work in all types of weather ...

MSI

Warehouse Overhead Crane Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$20.75 - $22.75/hr

The overhead crane operator is responsible for pulling slab orders accurately and safely. This task will be performed using the overhead cranes. Work Hours: Monday to Friday from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM ...

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Crane Operators information

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$14

$26

$38

How much do crane operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for crane operators 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 are crane operators?

Crane operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating cranes and other heavy lifting equipment to move, lift, and position materials at construction sites, shipping yards, factories, and other industrial settings. They must have a strong understanding of safety protocols, equipment mechanics, and hand or radio signals used for communication. Training and certification are usually required, as crane operation involves significant responsibility and risk management. Crane operators play a crucial role in ensuring that heavy loads are lifted and placed safely and efficiently according to project requirements.

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

Crane operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or crowded sites, dealing with changing weather conditions, and ensuring precise communication with ground crews. These can be addressed by maintaining strong situational awareness, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and using clear hand signals or radios to coordinate with team members. Regular equipment inspections and ongoing training also help operators manage risks and adapt to new technologies or site-specific requirements.

What's the top pay for a crane operator?

The top pay for crane operators can exceed $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and operating large or complex equipment. Wages vary by region, industry, and the complexity of the crane operation, with overtime and union membership potentially increasing earnings.

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.

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 mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized crane operator certification. Familiarity with crane-specific controls, load charts, and safety systems, as well as certification from organizations like NCCCO, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for safely coordinating with team members and handling complex lifts. These skills and qualifications ensure safe operation, prevent accidents, and facilitate efficient workflow on construction or industrial sites.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends a maximum load of 3 tons at 3 meters radius, with a 3-minute setup time to ensure stability and safety during lifting operations. Crane operators must follow load charts and safety protocols, including proper setup and inspection, to prevent accidents. Adhering to these principles helps maintain safe crane operation in construction environments.

How much do they pay a crane operator?

The average salary for a crane operator is around $60,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Many crane operators earn higher wages with certifications and specialized skills, and they often work in construction, manufacturing, or shipping environments with potential for overtime pay.

Are crane operators well paid?

Crane operators typically earn competitive wages that vary by region, experience, and industry. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and overtime pay, with median salaries in many areas ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Certification and experience can lead to higher pay and more advanced job opportunities.
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What cities in Indiana are hiring for Crane Operators jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Crane Operators job openings:
Crane Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crane Operators job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,524 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
1st Shift Crane Operator

1st Shift Crane Operator

OmniSource

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Subsidiary
OmniSource
Responsibilities
  • Operate hydraulic crane to identify and cut metals, and load into trucks and railcars
  • Upgrade material when possible
  • Feed baler
  • Maintain a clean work area during and at the end of the shift
  • Sort scrap to upgrade and remove non-conforming items
  • Perform all required preventative maintenance and report any issues

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • No less than one year of experience operating a hydraulic crane, excavator/material handler
  • Ability to operate baler, wheel loader, and fork lift
  • Ability to work in all types of weather conditions
  • Ability to frequently work with heights
  • Possess a clear understanding and adherence to safety regulations
  • Must be a team player, dedicated to the organization, and self-motivated
  • Prefer scrap knowledge

Benefits
  • Paid weekly bonus
  • Paid vacation time
  • Company paid and supplemental life insurance
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance
  • Health Savings Account with company contribution
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Profit Sharing
  • Annual stock awards
  • Stock purchase plan with company match
  • Employee tuition reimbursement
  • Dependent scholarships
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Comprehensive employee discount database
  • Supplied uniforms

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
OmniSource logo

About OmniSource

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in Fort Wayne, IN in 1943, OmniSource, LLC has grown to become one of North America’s largest processors, distributors, and managers of scrap and secondary metals. We collect, process, and resell a wide variety of scrap metal. The company ships over 5 million gross tons of recycled steel and 1 billion pounds of nonferrous and stainless-steel scrap annually. Our primary collection and processing facilities are concentrated in the Midwest, the South, and the Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. But our reach stretches across North America, utilizing a wide-ranging fleet of trucks, containers, railcars, and barges to collect and haul metals. We expect to continue to expand OmniSource’s footprint, deploying our processing assets to cover new geographical territories, opening new facilities, and making targeted acquisitions. Supplementing our company-operated scrap collection sites, we also acquire metals from industrial scrap generators with which we have established strategic partnerships. We have designed and installed customized metals-recycling programs, some of which we manage and operate, for manufacturing companies nationwide.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1943

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