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Independent Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blythe Construction

Crane Operator

Johns Island, SC · On-site

Primary function of a Crane Operator: Operate a crane. Relocate crane or materials on construction ... Must be able to work independently, prioritize daily work assignments, and communicate with all ...

Crowder Constructors Inc

Crane Operator

Fries, VA · On-site

Crane Operator Since 1947, Crowder has built a legacy of success in the construction industry. We ... Must be able to work independently, prioritize daily work assignments and communicate with all ...

Blythe Construction

Crane Operator

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

Primary function of a Crane Operator: Operate a crane. Relocate crane or materials on construction ... Must be able to work independently, prioritize daily work assignments, and communicate with all ...

Orchid Monroe LLC

Crane Operator

Monroe, WI · On-site

$20/hr

The Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of overhead cranes, fork ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Must be dependable and demonstrate ...

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc

Crane Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Mental dexterity needed as Crane Operator will work independently while demonstrating attention to detail and continuous awareness. * High School diploma or GED Certification required. * Related ...

Crowder Constructors

Crane Operator

Fries, VA · On-site

Operate crane to set customer's items per senior crane operator's instructions. CCO Certification ... Must be able to work independently, prioritize daily work assignments and communicate with all ...

Crowder Constructors Inc

Crane Operator

Fries, VA · On-site

Operate crane to set customer's items per senior crane operator's instructions. CCO Certification ... Must be able to work independently, prioritize daily work assignments and communicate with all ...

Reliance

Crane Operator

Portage, IN · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Crane Operator Founded in 1954, Feralloy Corporation has grown to become one of the country ... Work independently and as part of a team to achieve operational goals. * Assist with inventory ...

Crowder Constructors Inc

Crane Operator

VA · On-site

Operate crane to set customer's items per senior crane operator's instructions. CCO Certification ... Must be able to work independently, prioritize daily work assignments and communicate with all ...

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Independent Crane Operator information

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$14

$28

$40

How much do independent crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent 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 is an independent crane operator?

Independent Crane Operators are professionals who operate cranes and other heavy lifting equipment on a contractual or freelance basis, rather than as employees of a single company. They are responsible for safely moving heavy materials at construction sites, ports, or industrial facilities, often bringing their own expertise and sometimes their own equipment. Independent Crane Operators must have specialized training, proper certification, and thorough knowledge of safety regulations. They are typically hired for specific projects and need strong problem-solving skills to adapt to different job sites and tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent crane operator?

To thrive as an Independent Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation, load calculations, and safety procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant crane operator certification (such as NCCCO). Proficiency with various types of cranes, rigging equipment, and safety management systems is expected. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently set top operators apart. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient lifting operations and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by independent crane operators on job sites?

Independent crane operators often face challenges such as adapting to different types of equipment, ensuring compliance with varying safety regulations across job sites, and coordinating effectively with diverse teams. They may also be responsible for their own equipment maintenance and scheduling, which requires strong organizational skills. Additionally, operators must stay current with certification requirements and industry standards to maintain employability and safety.

What is the difference between Independent Crane Operator vs Crane Apprentice?

AspectIndependent Crane OperatorCrane Apprentice
CredentialsCrane operator certification, licensing (if required)Training program, basic certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial projectsTraining sites, supervised job sites
Employer UsageSelf-employed or contracted for projectsEmployed by a company or contractor for training

In summary, an Independent Crane Operator is fully certified and works independently or as a contractor, while a Crane Apprentice is in training, gaining experience under supervision. The main difference lies in certification level, work independence, and experience.

Is 40 too old to become an independent crane operator?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming an independent crane operator, as the job primarily requires physical fitness, technical skills, and proper certification. Many operators start or continue in the field at age 40 or older, provided they meet health and licensing requirements and have relevant experience or training.

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

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

Infographic showing various Independent Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Crane Operator

Johns Island, SC • On-site

Blythe Construction
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Blythe Constructionexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Blythe Construction rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
United Infrastructure Group continues to be a leader in the transportation construction industry in the southeast with a 100+ year history of delivering successful projects by hiring exceptional employees to work in a professional family environment. UIG is committed to developing the best workforce possible by constantly recruiting, training, and promoting construction industry professionals throughout our organization.
Our comprehensive benefits package is custom-designed to achieve that goal through access to the following benefits:
  • Highly Competitive Salaries
  • Generous Performance Bonuses
  • Robust Subsistence Allowances
  • Comprehensive Health Plans with Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Strong 401k Savings and Profit Sharing Plan with 100% Matching Contributions
  • Significant Paid Time Off
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Training, Education, Certification, and Qualification Assistance
  • Benefits may vary based on position and length of employment.
Primary function of a Crane Operator:
Operate a crane. Relocate crane or materials on construction projects. Operate crane to set customer's items per senior crane operator's instructions. CCO Certification for Telescopic Boom Cranes - Fixed Cab (TSS) and Swing Cab (TLL), and Lattice Boom Crane (LBC) required. May use cranes in all applications.
Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Safety minded and adhered to all safety policies, in addition to passing a test in reference to safe operation in a trench.
  • Knowledge of and ability to select cables, winches, blocks, wire ropes, pulleys, chains and grappling devices according to weight and size of load to be lifted.
  • Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunction or damage.
  • Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
  • Load or unload bundles from trucks or move containers.
  • Attach load with grappling devices, such as loops, wires, ropes, and chains, to crane hook.
  • Install attachments such as jib, lattice extensions, auxiliary heads, and pile hammers.
  • Clean and inspect machinery or equipment to detect problems.
  • Receive directions to engage in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and material handled, using hand signals, loudspeakers, two-way radios, or telephone.
  • Read and interpret lifting capacity charts, daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequence of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
  • Direct workers engaged in hoisting of machinery and equipment into or on to trucks, railroad cars or other moving devices.
  • Must maintain a logbook.
Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience:
  • Must hold a valid TSS, TLL, and LBC CCO Certification.
  • At least 3 years' experience as a crane operator, preferred.
  • Maintain DOT physical.
  • Maintain working knowledge of load charts, hand signals, and state, and federal DOT laws.
  • Must be able to work independently, prioritize daily work assignments, and communicate with all team members.
  • Be able to coordinate the movements of hand and feet according to visual signals and directions.
  • Have a complete knowledge of crane and rigging signals.
  • Know the emergency response procedures for mobile crane operations.
  • Must follow policies and procedures and support UIG's Mission.
REQUIREMENTS: ALL Applicants must be:
  • 18 years of Age
  • Able to pass a Drug Test
  • Legally eligible to work in the US
  • Additional Requirements for Craftworkers:
    • Must have own transportation to and from jobsite every work day (driver's license required).
    • Must provide own hand tools (excluding power tools).
    • May be expected to travel where the project requires (multi-state opportunities).

UIG does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms
UIG IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EOE) AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (AA) EMPLOYERUIG IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EOE) AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (AA) EMPLOYER

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