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Knuckle Boom Operator information

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$14

$23

$35

How much do knuckle boom operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for knuckle boom operator in Alabama is $23.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a knuckle boom operator do?

A typical day for a Knuckle Boom Operator involves inspecting the equipment, reviewing job instructions, and operating the knuckle boom to safely lift, move, and place materials as needed on site. You will often collaborate closely with ground crew, site supervisors, and other equipment operators to coordinate lifts and ensure seamless workflow. Communication is key, as you’ll rely on hand signals or radios to stay aligned with team members, especially in busy or noisy environments. Operators also perform basic maintenance and keep detailed records of their work. This teamwork ensures safety and efficiency, and the collaborative environment can provide valuable experience for career advancement into lead operator or supervisory positions.

What is a knuckle boom operator?

A Knuckle Boom Operator is responsible for operating a knuckle boom crane, which has an articulated arm for lifting and moving heavy loads in construction, forestry, transportation, and other industries. Operators must ensure safe and precise handling of materials while following safety regulations and load limits. They may also perform routine maintenance on the equipment and coordinate with ground crews for efficient operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a knuckle boom operator?

To thrive as a Knuckle Boom Operator, you need proficiency in heavy equipment operation, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent; many employers require a specialized crane operator certification, such as NCCCO or equivalent. Operators typically use hydraulic control systems and may need to read load charts and blueprints to perform their job safely. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills are essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and teamwork on construction sites or during material handling operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Knuckle Boom Operator jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Knuckle Boom Operator jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Knuckle Boom Operator jobs in Alabama? For Knuckle Boom Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Knuckle Boom Operator jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Knuckle Boom Operator jobs in Alabama are:
Knuckle Boom Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Knuckle Boom Operator job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,211 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Railroad CDL Knuckle Boom Operator

Progress Rail Services

Albertville, AL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Progress Rail rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

377th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

12039BR

PRS Facility Location:

Rail Take-Up - 078

Job Purpose:

• CDL Class A or B Truck Drivers for Mobile Rail Crews;

• May be based out of - Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, etc.;

• Job requires the driver to be away from home for 27 days straight and then off 9 days;

• We assist in transportation home for the Nine days off;

• Hourly pay plus generous per diem and company paid single occupant lodging.

Req ID:

12039BR

Company Description:

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Education / Training:

• Must have and maintain a valid CDL Class "A" or "B" license.

Job Title:

Railroad CDL Knuckle Boom Operator

City:

Albertville

Key Job Elements:

• Operate trucks that have clutch, manual gear shifts which requires a CDL Class "A" or "B";

• Must be able to operate a boom-truck; a truck with a small knuckle-boom crane attached;

• Must be able to use a cutting torch to cut sections of the railroad track;

• Must be able to be away from home for 22 days on work schedule and then have 7 days scheduled off;

• Must be able to perform physical work of lifting up to 50 lbs periodically;

• Must be able to work in various weather conditions and perform duties outside, along railroad tracks.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Must have and maintain a valid CDL Class "A" or "B" license;

• Requires a minimum of 2 years of CDL driving experience;

• Must have a clean driving record;

• Must be able to drive manual-shift transmission;

• Must be able to travel and be away from home for 22 days at a time;

• Must be able to operate a truck-mounted small knuckle-boom crane;

• Must be able to operate a cutting torch;

• Must be able to pass a post-offer drug testing program and will be subject to random drug testing.

EEO:

Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Benefits:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

  • Competitive Salary

  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)

  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance

  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)

  • Employee Assistance Plan

  • Education Assistance Program

  • Employee Recognition Programs

  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans

  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans

  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.

**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

Job Category:

Production - Hourly

Work Location Options:

United States

State::

Alabama

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About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983

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