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Entry Level Crane Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Rail Management Services LLC

Rail Yard Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Job Entry-Level Rail Yard Driver/Operator (Union) Pacific Trailer Repair Services - CSX ... Climb railcars and secure equipment. * Assist crane operators using hand signals. * Stack/unstack ...

Metalex

General Opportunities

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$18.95 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... from entry-level production candidates to experienced machine operators, material handlers ... positions; crane experience is a plus for some roles. * Shipping/receiving, skidding, banding ...

Aerotek

Entry Level MIG Welder

Caledonia, IL

$20 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Certification and experience operating an overhead crane and forklift are preferred. * Comfort working in a structured fabrication environment with set shifts and overtime. * Willingness to work in ...

Hughes Recruiting & Consulting

Core Assembler

Richmond, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating an overhead crane and forklift. Responsibilities of the Core Assembler : * Identify and prepare components before assembly * Entry Level Manufacturing * Load/unload production equipment ...

Hennig Inc

Entry Level Panel Welder

IL · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Operates overhead crane and forklift, if certified. * Completes all required paperwork, records ... The ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints, bill of materials, operating and ...

Hennig

Entry Level Panel Welder

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Operates overhead crane and forklift, if certified. * Completes all required paperwork, records ... The ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints, bill of materials, operating and ...

Vistra Energy

DSI Technician

Kincaid, IL · On-site

$33.98/hr

This is an entry level developmental position which receives technical guidance, training and ... Use of overhead crane * Unloading of trucks and other deliveries * Assisting other departments as ...

Vistra Corp.

DSI Technician

Kincaid, IL · On-site

$33.98/hr

This is an entry level developmental position which receives technical guidance, training and ... Use of overhead crane * Unloading of trucks and other deliveries * Assisting other departments as ...

TXU Energy

DSI Technician

Kincaid, IL

$33.98/hr

This is an entry level developmental position which receives technical guidance, training and ... Use of overhead crane * Unloading of trucks and other deliveries * Assisting other departments as ...

Luminant

DSI Technician

Kincaid, IL

$33.98/hr

This is an entry level developmental position which receives technical guidance, training and ... Use of overhead crane * Unloading of trucks and other deliveries * Assisting other departments as ...

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

Entry Level Crane Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$16

$20

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level crane operator in Illinois is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

How much do entry level crane operators make?

Entry-level crane operators typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and experience. Starting salaries may be higher with certification and training in operating specific crane types or safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Crane Operator jobs in Illinois are:

Entry Level Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Crane Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,201 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Minooka: Manufacturing Operator - Crane/FL/Machine

Express Employment Professionals

Minooka, IL • On-site

$25.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overhead Crane Operator / Forklift Operator

Location: Minooka, IL
Pay Rate: $20.00/hr Starting Pay
Opportunity: Temp-to-Hire

Job Description
We are seeking experienced and safety-conscious Overhead Crane Operators and Forklift Operators to join a stainless steel processing and distribution facility in Minooka, IL. This position is responsible for moving, packaging, storing, and preparing stainless steel products, including coils, sheets, strips, and plates, using overhead cranes and forklifts. Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast-paced industrial environment around heavy machinery and materials while maintaining strict safety standards.

Pay
  • $20.00/hr starting pay as a temporary employee.
  • After 720 hours worked (approximately 90 days), employees are eligible for hire-on.
  • Upon hire-on, pay increases to $25.31/hr, the entry-level rate for full-time employees.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate overhead cranes to safely transport stainless steel coils and other materials throughout the facility.
  • Operate forklifts to move, stage, load, and unload materials.
  • Package steel products according to customer and company specifications.
  • Inspect materials for proper identification and quality standards.
  • Maintain accurate material handling practices and follow production schedules.
  • Follow all company safety procedures, policies, and operating guidelines.
  • Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
  • Assist with additional warehouse and production duties as needed.
Requirements
  • Previous overhead crane and/or forklift experience preferred.
  • Ability to work safely around heavy industrial equipment and materials.
  • Ability to perform heavy lifting and physically demanding work.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
  • Reliable attendance and willingness to work overtime as needed.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Schedule
  • Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Must be available to work up to 12-hour shifts.
  • Overtime may begin as early as 5:00 AM.
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Sick Time
  • WEEKLY pay
  • Direct Deposit
  • $100 Referral Bonus (+$50 for the person being referred)
Express Employment Professionals of Ottawa & Morris is a locally owned and operated staffing company dedicated to helping job seekers find local work. Job seekers will never pay a fee for our services and support.
Apply today!
Call/Text: 815-306-0250
Email your resume to: Jobs.OttawaIL@Expresspros.com
Know someone who would be a great fit for this role? Sign up for our referral bonus program and send them our way! You could get paid even if you don’t work with us.
  • $100 for every candidate you send that works 80 hours
  • $50 for them just for being referred
Sign up here >>> https://expresspros.staffingreferrals.com/join/rottawail1
Express Employment Professionals logo

About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Social media

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