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Entry Level Crane Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FLAG Solutions LLC

Saw Operator

North Hollywood, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Machinist Level I / Entry-Level Machine Operator Position Summary A confidential manufacturing ... Forklift, overhead crane, or material handling experience is a plus, if required by the site.

Great Hire

Warehouse Associate

La Mirada, CA

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Warehouse Associate Hi Tech Warehouse and Production Facility seeking entry-level candidates with ... overhead crane (we train on this) Cut materials to size (we train on this) Pack and prepare ...

Great Hire HR Solutions

Warehouse Associate

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Warehouse Associate Hi Tech Warehouse and Production Facility seeking entry-level candidates with ... Move heavy materials using overhead crane (we train on this) * Cut materials to size (we train on ...

Great Hire

Warehouse Associate

La Mirada, CA

$16 - $19/hr

... seeking entry\-level candidates with stable work history. Our company supplies mission critical ... Move heavy materials using overhead crane (we train on this) \n * Cut materials to size (we train ...

Crane Company

Manufacturing Support/Pre-Fab

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Pre-Fab Associate I - This is the entry level. The employee requires higher levels of training and ... Help Operators, Welders and other co-workers with supplying or holding materials or tools, or ...

New

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees ... operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA

$16.90/hr

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees ... operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees ... operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees ... operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an ...

Nucor

Rebar Fabricator-Fontana

Fontana, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

An entry level production worker at Nucor Rebar Fabrication will bend, cut, bundle and load ... crane to move, assemble and select material to be fabricated or shipped. • Assemble and load ...

Nucor

Rebar Fabricator-Fontana

Fontana, CA

$16.90/hr

An entry level production worker at Nucor Rebar Fabrication will bend, cut, bundle and load ... Operate overhead crane to move, assemble and select material to be fabricated or shipped. Assemble ...

Nucor

Rebar Fabricator

Lathrop, CA

$17.10/hr

An entry level production worker at Nucor Rebar Fabrication will bend, cut, bundle and load ... Operate overhead crane to move, assemble and select material to be fabricated or shipped. Assemble ...

Nucor

Rebar Fabricator

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$17.10/hr

An entry level production worker at Nucor Rebar Fabrication will bend, cut, bundle and load ... crane to move, assemble and select material to be fabricated or shipped. • Assemble and load ...

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All JobsCrane Operator JobsEntry Level Crane Operator JobsEntry Level Crane Operator Jobs in California

Entry Level Crane Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do entry level crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level crane operator in California is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 40 too old to become an entry level crane operator?

Entry level crane operators can start at age 18 or older, and age is not a barrier to entering the field. Employers typically prioritize training, certifications such as OSHA and NCCCO, and physical ability over age, so individuals aged 40 or older can successfully pursue this career with proper training and licensing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level crane operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Crane Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with completion of a crane operator training program. Familiarity with crane controls, load charts, and certification such as NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a commitment to safety are critical soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant crane operation on construction or industrial sites.

What is the difference between Entry Level Crane Operator vs Apprentice Crane Operator?

AspectEntry Level Crane OperatorApprentice Crane Operator
CertificationsOSHA certification, basic crane operation licenseTypically working towards certification, may have beginner licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settingsTraining sites, construction environments
ExperienceLimited or no prior experience requiredLearning phase, under supervision
Job RoleOperate cranes under supervision, perform basic tasksAssist and learn crane operation, shadow experienced operators

While both roles involve crane operation, an Entry Level Crane Operator is typically qualified to operate cranes independently after certification, whereas an Apprentice Crane Operator is in training, gaining experience under supervision. The main difference lies in experience level and job responsibilities, with apprentices focusing on learning and skill development.

What is an entry level crane operator?

Entry level crane operators are individuals who are new to the field and operate cranes under supervision to move materials and equipment on construction sites, warehouses, or manufacturing plants. They typically have completed basic safety training and may hold relevant certifications or licenses depending on local regulations. Entry level operators assist experienced crane operators, learn to read load charts, and follow safety protocols to ensure efficient and secure lifting operations. Over time, they gain hands-on experience to handle more complex tasks and advance in their careers.

Is it hard to get an entry level crane operator job?

Entry level crane operator jobs can be competitive, but having a valid certification, such as a crane operator license, and completing on-the-job training can improve chances of employment. Employers often seek candidates with basic knowledge of safety protocols and equipment operation, making relevant skills and certifications important for entry-level positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in California? For Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Crane Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Crane Operator job openings:
Entry Level Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Crane Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,851 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Warehouse Overhead Crane Operator

M S International

Orange, CA • On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Summary: 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 06:00 AM to 04:30 PM, 2 Saturday(s) a month from 07:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seniority Level: Entry Level
Employment Type: Full-time
Compensation: This hourly, non-exempt position pays from $19.75 to $22.75 per hour, with overtime compensated at 1.5 times the base rate. New hires usually earn between $49,500 and $65,400 annually, or more, depending on experience, overtime hours, and bonuses.
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to complete the following essential duties and responsibilities:
  • Pull slabs from the warehouse from the slab orders provided
  • Move slabs to loading areas by using overhead cranes
  • Load slabs on customer's vehicle/truck
  • Ensure that product is well secured on vehicle/truck and takes all necessary safety measures
  • Unload slabs from containers using forklifts
  • Arrange slabs properly by forklift/crane in Slab Warehouse
  • Responsible for maintaining the slab warehouse clean and safe for staff and customers
  • Performs additional duties as required and or requested.
Additionally, the candidate must meet the following Education and/or Experience requirements:
  • High School Education or equivalent required.
  • Two (2) plus years' experience in a warehouse environment.
  • Forklift, overhead crane and warehouse experience preferred
  • Ability to use Smart Phones/Tablets
  • Good communicate skills
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
This role has the following physical demands:
  • The physical demands 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.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with their hands and arms; and communicate verbally. The employee frequently walks, stands and occasionally sits.
  • The employee must regularly lift, pull and move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
  • This is a safety-sensitive position.

Benefits: MSI offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and reward our employees. Depending on the role, this may include:
  • Referral, holiday, and annual bonuses or commission opportunities
  • Eligibility for an annual merit-based increase
  • Paid Time Off
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Company-paid Short Term and Long Term disability;
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with company matching contributions
  • Charitable donation matching programs
  • Free, company-sponsored 1-on-1 tutoring for children/dependents of MSI employees in grades k-12, including free tutoring for SAT and ACT tests.

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