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Crane Operators Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator The Crane Operator is responsible for operating a mobile crane to lift, move ... Operators also allow appropriate safety procedures and maintain logs of vehicle repair status and ...

Crane Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Must have NCCCO crane operators certification and be valid and in good standing * Ability to operate a 30-ton crane truck w/110 foot boom * Valid driver's license in good standing with a clean ...

Crane Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Must have NCCCO crane operators certification and be valid and in good standing * Ability to operate a 30-ton crane truck w/110 foot boom * Valid driver's license in good standing with a clean ...

Crane Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Must have NCCCO crane operators certification and be valid and in good standing * Ability to operate a 30-ton crane truck w/110 foot boom * Valid driver's license in good standing with a clean ...

Operators also allow appropriate safety procedures and maintain logs of vehicle repair status and ... Crane Operators - operate diesel powered cranes which are mounted on truck type chassis, to lift ...

Crane Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Crane Operator (Tree Care Division) Location: Jessup, MD Pay: $28-$35/hour (based on experience) Schedule: Monday-Friday + Overtime & Emergency Work Year-Round Opportunity This Isn't Just Another ...

Crane Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Crane Operator (Tree Care Division) Location: Jessup, MD Pay: $28-$35/hour (based on experience) Schedule: Monday-Friday + Overtime & Emergency Work Year-Round Opportunity This Isn't Just Another ...

Crane Operator (Tree Care Division) Location: Jessup, MD Pay: $28-$35/hour (based on experience) Schedule: Monday-Friday + Overtime & Emergency Work Year-Round Opportunity This Isn't Just Another ...

Crane Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Crane Operator (Tree Care Division) Location: Jessup, MD Pay: $28-$35/hour (based on experience) Schedule: Monday-Friday + Overtime & Emergency Work Year-Round Opportunity This Isn't Just Another ...

Crane Operator Olive Recruiting is searching for a Crane Operator for our client in the Washington DC metropolitan area. This role is responsible for operating mobile hydraulic cranes and/or lattice ...

Tower Crane Operator Company Name: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc Location: Arlington, VA, US, 22201 Req ID : 7720 Travel: None Number of Openings: 5 Find a greater purpose with a team that puts ...

Job Title PLR Crane Operator Job Summary The PLR Crane Operator is responsible for providing lifting and hoisting services to customers by performing crane setup, pre-operation inspection, rigging ...

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Crane Operators information

See Washington salary details

$16

$31

$45

How much do crane operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for crane operators in Washington is $31.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $37.55 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.
What job categories do people searching Crane Operators jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Crane Operators jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Crane Operators jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Crane Operators job openings:
Infographic showing various Crane Operators job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,087 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Crane Operator

Other

Posted 6 days ago


MEI Industrial Solutions rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Crane Operator

The Crane Operator is responsible for operating a mobile crane to lift, move, position, reposition loads, and unload crane accessories from trailer or support vehicles. Team collaboration is important as the Operator works with and receives direction from riggers and/or site supervision via verbal or hand signals to determine required load movement and will work as a ground crew depending on the tasks being performed. Operators also allow appropriate safety procedures and maintain logs of vehicle repair status and working hours (FMCSA).

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operate various types of cranes: All Terrain, Rough Terrain, Crawlers, Industrial, Hydraulic Trucks, Conventional Trucks, and Boom Trucks.
  • Hydraulic Truck Crane Operators - operate diesel powered cranes which are mounted on truck type chassis, to lift material, objects, or personnel into place.
  • Drives crane to work site and properly sets up per the manufacturer's operators manual and company rules regarding cribbing/matting, cribbing blocks or mats as required to perform job requirements of customer.
  • Direct activities of oilers, truck drivers or helpers in assembly and disassembly of the equipment.
  • Place cribbing blocks and/or pads, moves levers and foot pedals to rotate super structure, raise and lowers boom to raise and lower cables.
  • May operate crane according to signals from oiler or helper may bolt, pin boom sections together to modify boom lengths.
  • Perform pre- and post-trip inspections along with daily and monthly equipment inspections.
  • Perform routine maintenance.
  • Carry tools for running repairs.
  • Properly barricades counterweight tail swing and working radius.
  • Take complete charge of all safety pertaining to assembly, disassembly, and operation of crane. Wears PPE safety equipment.
  • Understand and can fill out job ticket for customer to accept responsibility for jobsite and billing.
  • Drive truck to worksites and unloads truck.
  • Brief travel is expected. Normally nothing longer than a week.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):

  • HS Diploma or Equivalent
  • Minimum of two years of Crane Operation experience
  • Working knowledge of rigging, cranes, and commercial moving and storage
  • Proficient knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook
  • Must be able to read and speak the English language.
  • Must possess a current NCCCO, TLL (TSS is also preferred), or equivalent crane operator certification.
  • Knowledgeable in OSHA regulations and ANSI standards in crane operations
  • Minimum of a CDL – B license required; CDL-A License preferred.
  • Must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and DOT physical/fit for duty test.
  • LBC/LBT would be helpful but not required.
  • Prefer candidates with proficient oral and written communication skills, technical skills, and functional skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to climb, stand; walk; sit; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to adjust straps, move equipment and perform daily duties; reach with hands and arms; push feet to operate crane; pull handles and grasp equipment; talk and 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. The Operator is subject to possible exposure to extreme year-round outdoor environmental conditions and may also be subject to working weekends and holidays.

Additional Requirements:

Work with a Top-of-Mind Awareness for the safety of yourself and everyone at the job site. Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI's customers have come to expect.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by a Crane Operator and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the job, as necessary.

MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.


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