ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hydraulic Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SA Recycling

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

As a Hydraulic Crane Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to load and unload containers and trailers, and lift and move ...

SA Recycling

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

As a Hydraulic Crane Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to load and unload containers and trailers, and lift and move ...

SA Recycling

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

As a Hydraulic Crane Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to load and unload containers and trailers, and lift and move ...

Guy M. Turner, Inc.

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Requirements: * 1+ years of crane operating (hydraulic / boom truck) experience * CDL A or CDL B required * NCCCO and/or NCCER certification required * Must currently live locally and commute daily ...

Guy M Turner

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Greensboro, NC · On-site

Requirements: * 1+ years of crane operating (hydraulic / boom truck) experience * CDL A or CDL B required * NCCCO and/or NCCER certification required * Must currently live locally and commute daily ...

Guy M Turner

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Requirements: * 1+ years of crane operating (hydraulic / boom truck) experience * CDL A or CDL B required * NCCCO and/or NCCER certification required * Must currently live locally and commute daily ...

SA Recycling

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Material Handlers are responsible for the safe and efficient operations of hydraulic crane that has ... Advancement Opportunities Responsibilities of an Equipment Operator * Preform pre- and post ...

SA Recycling

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Material Handlers are responsible for the safe and efficient operations of hydraulic crane that has ... Advancement Opportunities Responsibilities of an Equipment Operator: * Preform pre- and post ...

SA Recycling

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Material Handlers are responsible for the safe and efficient operations of hydraulic crane that has ... Advancement Opportunities Responsibilities of an Equipment Operator * Preform pre- and post ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsHeavy Equipment JobsCrane Operator JobsHydraulic Crane Operator Jobs

Hydraulic Crane Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do hydraulic crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydraulic crane operator in the United States is $28.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hydraulic crane operator do?

A Hydraulic Crane Operator is responsible for operating hydraulic cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials at construction sites, shipping yards, and other industrial locations. They must understand load charts, follow safety protocols, and communicate effectively with rigging teams to ensure safe and accurate lifts. Operators also perform regular inspections and maintenance on their equipment to ensure it is functioning properly. Expertise in handling different types of hydraulic cranes and adherence to safety standards are critical aspects of this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydraulic crane operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydraulic Crane Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, precise hand-eye coordination, and a valid crane operator certification, such as NCCCO or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic crane controls, load charts, and safety systems is essential, as well as the ability to use communication devices like radios. Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help operators manage complex lifts safely and efficiently. These competencies are crucial for preventing accidents, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining productivity on job sites.

What are some common challenges hydraulic crane operators face on the job site, and how can they be managed?

Hydraulic Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight or uneven workspaces, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and coordinating with multiple team members to ensure safe lifts. Effective communication with spotters and ground crew is essential to minimize risks, as is staying up to date with equipment inspections and maintenance. Operators can manage these challenges by adhering to strict safety protocols, participating in ongoing training, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

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

AspectHydraulic Crane OperatorTower Crane Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, crane operator certificationCrane operator certification, often with tower crane-specific training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settings, mobile and truck-mounted cranesHigh-rise construction sites, fixed tower cranes
Industry UsageConstruction, shipping, industrial projectsHigh-rise building construction, large-scale infrastructure

Hydraulic Crane Operators and Tower Crane Operators both require specialized certifications and work in construction environments. Hydraulic crane operators typically handle mobile and truck-mounted cranes, while tower crane operators work on high-rise projects with fixed cranes. Both roles are essential in construction but differ mainly in equipment and work setting.

What cities are hiring for Hydraulic Crane Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Hydraulic Crane Operator job openings:

What states have the most Hydraulic Crane Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Crane Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Hydraulic Crane Operator jobs?

For Hydraulic Crane Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hydraulic Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Miami, FL • On-site

SA Recycling
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SA Recyclingexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are looking for hard-working, reliable and safety minded individual to join our team as a Hydraulic Crane Operator. As a Hydraulic Crane Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to load and unload containers and trailers, and lift and move scrap metal of varying sizes and weights around the work area.
This position will work outside in varying weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
Responsibilities of a Hydraulic Crane Operator

  • Operate a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to lift, sort, load or unload scrap metal and debris in preparation for processing.
  • Determine load weights and verify against lifting capacities to prevent overloads and dangerous situations.
  • Manipulate hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane according to written, verbal or signal instructions within safe operational parameters.
  • Perform daily inspections reporting any concerns, defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
  • Direct truck drivers into proper position for loading or unloading of scrap metal.
  • Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.
Qualifications of Hydraulic Crane Operator
  • High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience.
  • 2-year previous grapple crane operations in the scrap metal or construction industries preferred.
  • Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) a plus.
  • Ability to carry out instructions provided in written or oral form.
  • Ability to learn new tasks as assigned required.
  • Must pass a medical physical and drug test
  • Must pass a background check
  • Attendance is a must for this position
SA Recycling offers:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Eligible for Safety and Performance Bonuses
  • Comprehensive benefits including affordable medical options, dental and vision care
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • Weekly Pay
  • Referral Incentives
  • Company provided uniforms and PPE

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified).
All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What SA Recycling employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply