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Crane Operators Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Crane Operators information

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$14

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$38

How much do crane operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 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's the highest paying crane operator job?

The highest paying crane operator jobs are typically in specialized industries such as oil and gas, power plant construction, or heavy industrial projects, often requiring advanced certifications and experience. These roles may also involve working in remote or hazardous environments, which can increase compensation significantly compared to standard construction crane operation.

How much do the best crane operators make?

The highest-paid crane operators can earn over $80,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and working in high-demand environments. Top earners often operate large, complex cranes and work overtime or in remote locations, which can increase their income.

How much do the highest paid crane operators make?

The highest paid crane operators can earn over $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and the ability to operate complex equipment. Factors such as location, industry, and overtime also influence their earnings.

Are crane operators well paid?

Crane operators typically earn competitive wages that vary by location, experience, and industry. They often receive benefits and may need certifications such as OSHA or NCCCO to qualify for higher-paying positions. Overall, crane operation is considered a well-paying skilled trade.
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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.

Operating Engineer Hydraulic Crane (90 Tons and Higher) Journeyman

Bechtel Construction Company

New Albany, IN

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Operating Engineer Hydraulic Crane (90 Tons and Higher) Journeyman
New Albany, OH

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations.

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report.

Project Overview:

Bechtel is supporting efforts to revitalize chipmaking in the U.S. by designing and building an advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility in Ohio. Our team’s ability to design for rapid advances in technology and deploy best-in-class construction innovation will help transform Ohio into the “Silicon Heartland” by creating an entire supply chain to deliver the project, including engineers, construction leadership, and craft professionals.

Project Cardinal is the new semiconductor manufacturing facilities, located in Ohio, will further revitalize chipmaking in the U.S. and help restore dependability and resilience to the global semiconductor supply chain. Bringing this capability to Ohio is a historic win for the region and for America.

Bechtel will partner with the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and suppliers to create new construction jobs, and work with local education organizations to implement training programs.

Responsibilities:

  1. Observes load hook up and determines safety of load.
  2. Manipulates crane control to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement according to written, verbal, or signal instructions.
  3. Cleans and maintains crane and hoisting mechanism. 
  4. Inspects crane for defective parts and notifies the supervisor of the defects or malfunctions. 
  5. Loads, transports, and unloads materials, tools, equipment, and supplies. 
  6. May assist in lifting, positioning, and securing of materials and work pieces during installation. 
  7. Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities of tools and equipment. 
  8. Safely operate crane, hoist mechanism, tools and materials. 
  9. Assists in assembly and disassembly of cranes. 
  10. Plans and coordinates crane movement & set-up. 
  11. Adheres to all safety procedures. 
  12. Must have NCCER and/or NCCCO assessments for applicable crane operation.
  13. Typically requires a minimum of 48 months’ industrial construction experience.
  14. Must have a current DOT Physical.

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