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Marine Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead Gage Marine is seeking an experienced Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead to safely operate articulating boom cranes and lead pier crews during marine construction and ...

Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead Gage Marine is seeking an experienced Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead to safely operate articulating boom cranes and lead pier crews during marine construction and ...

Marine Crane Operator Ship Mounted Crane Operator Join SAVARD Personnel Group - where your skills are valued! Key Requirements: Experience operating ship-mounted, pedestal, or marine cranes. Must ...

GARNEY A Marine Crane Operator position is available at Garney. As a Marine Crane Operator, you will be responsible for performing heavy picks on a floating barge using a lattice boom or hydraulic ...

GARNEY A Marine Crane Operator position is available at Garney. As a Marine Crane Operator, you will be responsible for performing heavy picks on a floating barge using a lattice boom or hydraulic ...

GARNEY A Marine Crane Operator position is availableat Garney. As a Marine Crane Operator, you will be responsible for performing heavy picks on a floating barge using a lattice boom or hydraulic ...

GARNEY A Marine Crane Operator position is availableat Garney. As a Marine Crane Operator, you will be responsible for performing heavy picks on a floating barge using a lattice boom or hydraulic ...

GARNEY A Marine Crane Operator position is available at Garney. As a Marine Crane Operator, you will be responsible for performing heavy picks on a floating barge using a lattice boom or hydraulic ...

Experience operating ship-mounted, pedestal, or marine cranes. * Must have a valid TWIC Card * Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and climbing onto vessels. * Experience loading ...

Marine Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Experience operating ship-mounted, pedestal, or marine cranes. * Must have a valid TWIC Card * Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and climbing onto vessels. * Experience loading ...

Crane Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$34.41 - $68.18/hr

The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine terminals. This role ensures the secure lifting, movement, and placement ...

Crane Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$34.41 - $68.18/hr

The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine terminals. This role ensures the secure lifting, movement, and placement ...

The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine terminals. This role ensures the secure lifting, movement, and placement ...

The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine terminals. This role ensures the secure lifting, movement, and placement ...

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Marine Crane Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do marine crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine 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 a marine crane operator?

Marine Crane Operators are skilled professionals who operate cranes and other heavy lifting equipment on ships, offshore platforms, and at ports or shipyards. Their primary responsibility is to safely load, unload, and move cargo, equipment, or materials on and off vessels or marine structures. They must be knowledgeable about safety regulations, crane mechanics, and proper signaling to ensure efficient and accident-free operations. Marine Crane Operators often work in challenging environments, requiring strong attention to detail and good coordination skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine crane operator?

To thrive as a Marine Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, typically demonstrated by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant crane operator certifications. Familiarity with load monitoring systems, radio communication devices, and specialized marine cranes is essential. Strong situational awareness, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help operators safely coordinate with crew and adapt to challenging marine environments. These competencies are critical to ensure safe, efficient cargo handling and prevent accidents in high-risk maritime settings.

What are some common challenges faced by marine crane operators when working offshore, and how can these be managed?

Marine Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, limited visibility, and the need for precise coordination with deck crews and other vessels. Managing these challenges requires strict adherence to safety protocols, effective communication with team members, and continual monitoring of weather and sea conditions. Operators are also expected to participate in regular safety drills and ongoing training to stay current with best practices and equipment updates, ensuring safe and efficient lifting operations in dynamic offshore environments.

What is the difference between Marine Crane Operator vs Deckhand?

AspectMarine Crane OperatorDeckhand
CertificationsCrane operation licenses, safety trainingBasic safety and survival training
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, working with cranesOnboard ships, assisting with general tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating cranes to move cargo and equipmentAssisting with cargo, maintenance, and deck duties

Marine Crane Operators focus on operating cranes for cargo handling, requiring specialized certifications. Deckhands perform general deck duties and assist with cargo, often with basic safety training. Both roles work onboard ships but have distinct responsibilities and certification requirements.

What cities are hiring for Marine Crane Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Marine Crane Operator job openings:

What states have the most Marine Crane Operator jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Marine Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Marine Crane Operator

Williams Bay, WI • On-site

Gage Marine Corporation
11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Gage Marine rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead


Gage Marine is seeking an experienced Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead to safely operate articulating boom cranes and lead pier crews during marine construction and offseason projects. This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and a consistent commitment to safe operating practices.

Responsibilities

  • Operate articulating boom cranes aboard barges and lead marine work sites
  • Lead and coordinate crew members, riggers, and other assigned personnel
  • Conduct pre-use crane, rigging, and safety inspections; identify and report defects or unsafe conditions
  • Verify load weights, rigging configurations, crane capacity, weather conditions, and vessel stability before lifts
  • Participate in maintenance talks, job site analyses, safety meetings, and incident reporting
  • Use general construction skills to install and remove seasonal piers, lifts and other recreation lake items

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay based on experience and certifications
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Overtime and rotational opportunities, where applicable
  • Excellent benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k), paid vacation/personal time
  • Employee discounts on products and services 
  • Fun, family-oriented culture and outdoor recreation perks
  • Paid training and certification support

Requirements

 Required Qualifications

  • Current certification to operate an articulating boom crane
  • Demonstrated experience operating cranes in a marine, offshore, port, barge, or vessel environment
  • Previous experience leading crane crews, deck crews, or rigging teams
  • Ability to work safely around moving equipment, suspended loads, changing weather, and marine conditions
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to pass required pre-employment screening, including drug and alcohol testing, background check, and physical/fit-for-duty requirements
  • Ability to work extended shifts, overtime, weekends, and rotational schedules when required
  • Ability to consistently lift 50-75 lbs. and work outdoors in variable weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

  • NCCCO or equivalent crane operator certification, where applicable
  • Experience with hydraulic knuckle-boom, telescopic, pedestal-mounted, or vessel-mounted cranes
  • Familiarity with vessel stability, deck loading, and marine cargo operations
  • Previous knowledge of boat lifts and pier construction around Lake Geneva

What Gage Marine employees say

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