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Heavy Crane Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator Team Elmer's, an employee-owned heavy construction company, is comprised of six divisions - aggregate, asphalt, excavation, concrete, trucking and crane and rigging. Our Traverse City ...

Crane OperatorTeam Elmer's, an employee-owned heavy construction company, is comprised of six ... The operator will presses buttons, lifts levers, and ensure that the load is safely attached to the ...

The Crane Operator role is responsible for supporting finished goods yard and shipping operations ... This role operates heavy equipment in a finished goods storage yard environment and helps ensure ...

The Crane Operator role is responsible for supporting finished goods yard and shipping operations ... This role operates heavy equipment in a finished goods storage yard environment and helps ensure ...

The Crane Operator role is responsible for supporting finished goods yard and shipping operations ... This role operates heavy equipment in a finished goods storage yard environment and helps ensure ...

The Crane Operator role is responsible for supporting finished goods yard and shipping operations ... This role operates heavy equipment in a finished goods storage yard environment and helps ensure ...

We take pride in being a union-based heavy civil contractor that self-performs a wide range of work, partnering with local trade unions to employ Laborers, Carpenters, Equipment Operators, Cement ...

We take pride in being a union-based heavy civil contractor that self-performs a wide range of work, partnering with local trade unions to employLaborers, Carpenters, Equipment Operators, Cement ...

Hull is proud to be a union-based heavy highway contractor employing a variety of skilled trades. Skilled, career-oriented tradespeople are encouraged to apply. While our main office is located in ...

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Heavy Crane Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$13

$24

$36

How much do heavy crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy crane operator in Michigan is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Heavy Crane Operator vs Tower Crane Operator?

AspectHeavy Crane OperatorTower Crane Operator
CertificationsCrane operator license, OSHA safety trainingCrane operator license, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settings, heavy liftingHigh-rise construction, tall building sites, urban areas
Industry UsageConstruction, shipping yards, infrastructure projectsSkyscraper construction, large-scale commercial projects

Both Heavy Crane Operators and Tower Crane Operators require similar certifications and work in construction environments. However, Heavy Crane Operators typically handle mobile or crawler cranes for heavy lifting, while Tower Crane Operators specialize in operating fixed tower cranes for high-rise building projects. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Are heavy crane operators well paid?

Heavy crane operators typically earn competitive wages that vary by location, experience, and industry. They often receive additional compensation for working overtime, in hazardous conditions, or holding specialized certifications. Overall, the role offers a solid income compared to many other construction-related jobs.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Heavy Crane Operator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Heavy Crane Operator job openings:

Equipment Operator - Crane

Traverse City, MI • On-site

Team Elmer's
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Team Elmer's rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Crane Operator

Team Elmer's, an employee-owned heavy construction company, is comprised of six divisions - aggregate, asphalt, excavation, concrete, trucking and crane and rigging. Our Traverse City, Michigan-based company proudly employs more than 500 skilled professionals and operates out of 15 Michigan locations.

We are currently seeking to fill an opening for a Crane Operator. This position will be responsible for operating a stationary or traveling crane to lift, move, position, and reposition loads. The operator will presses buttons, lifts levers, and ensure that the load is safely attached to the crane before operating the crane.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operate crane under general supervision.
  • Manipulate or depress cane controls to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement according to written, verbal, or signal instructions.
  • Repair crane as needed.
  • Inspect crane for safety issues on a daily basis.
  • Determine if any parts are malfunctioning.
  • Complete job tickets, service quality summaries, and all other necessary paperwork.
  • Lift, position and place machinery, equipment or other large objects at construction sites and industrial facilities.
  • Drive trucks to worksites and unload trucks.
  • Place blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing when lifting heavy loads.
  • Move levers and pedals to rotate crane on chassis to raise and lower crane boom and to raise and lower load-line.
  • Bolt boom sections together to extend or modify boom for pile driving or high lifting.
  • Work with in precise limits and standards of accuracy.
  • Operate crane according to signals from helper.
  • Start and stop crane engine.
  • Follow directions carefully.
  • Will be required to wear personal protection equipment i.e. safety glasses, steel toe boots, hardhat, reflective vest, and when necessary fall protection equipment.

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position.

Qualifications:

  • Valid license, CDL A with airbrake endorsement
  • Mobile Hydraulic and/or Fixed Cab NCCCO Crane Certification
  • NCCCO Certified Crane Operator
  • NCCCO Rigger/Signalperson Certification preferred but not required
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Clean driving record for the past 5 years
  • Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug screen
  • Minimum 3-5 years crane and rigging experience
  • Ability to work long hours and perform repetitive lifting, carrying, climbing, and walking. Repetitive lifting could be 40 or more pounds at any one time.
  • Ability to work long hours and 5-6 days a week in all environmental conditions.
  • Good work ethic, punctuality and alertness.
  • Ability to follow all company, NCCCO, DOT, OSHA, and MiOSHA safety rules.
  • Mechanical -- Knowledge of equipment, machines and tools including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

EEO/AA


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