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Overhead Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Momentum Staffing

Overhead Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50/hr

Overhead Crane Operator Location: Houston, TX 77029 Schedule: Monday-Friday | Must be available 6:00 AM-5:30 PM Experience Required: Minimum 2 years recent overhead crane experience We are seeking an ...

Conflux Systems

Overhead Crane Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Overhead Crane Operator The Overhead Crane Operator supports multi-phase transition manufacturing by setting up and operating automated and semi-automated equipment in a production environment. This ...

Arcosa Inc.

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Overhead Crane Operator Meyer Utility Structures is searching for Overhead Crane Operators for our Clinton, IL location. As an Overhead Crane Operator, you'll be responsible for the safe and precise ...

Delaco Steel

Overhead Crane Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$18.50/hr

We are looking for an Overhead Crane Operator to join our team. Your position will focus on safe and efficient set-up, changeover of die's and movement of safe and efficient Crane Operations ...

The Diez Group

Overhead Crane Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$38K/yr

Overhead Crane Operator Kansas City, MO ( Description The Diez Group Kansas City a tier one manufacturing supplier of blanked material. We are looking for anOverhead Crane Operatorto join our team.

Delaco Steel

Overhead Crane Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$18.50/hr

We are looking for an Overhead Crane Operator to join our team. Your position will focus on safe and efficient set-up, changeover of die's and movement of safe and efficient Crane Operations ...

Martin Energy Group

Overhead Crane Operator

Tipton, MO · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

PURPOSE To define the roles, responsibilities, and competence requirements for the Overhead Crane Operator to ensure safe, efficient, and quality-compliant material handling operations in accordance ...

CATEGORY 5 LLC

Overhead Crane Operator

Norcross, GA · On-site

$21/hr

As a Crane Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials and equipment. Candidates MUST have previous experience as an overhead ...

Martin Energy Group

Overhead Crane Operator

Tipton, MO · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

PURPOSE To define the roles, responsibilities, and competence requirements for the Overhead Crane Operator to ensure safe, efficient, and quality-compliant material handling operations in accordance ...

LED FastStart

Overhead Crane Operator (Nights)

Livingston, LA · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Overhead Crane Operator Responsible for operating an overhead crane to lift, move, position, and reposition loads. Depresses buttons, lifts levers, and ensures load is safely attached to crane before ...

Arcosa LWB, LLC

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As an Overhead Crane Operator, you'll be responsible for the safe and precise operation of an overhead crane to lift, move, and position heavy materials, such as steel plates, beams, and components ...

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Overhead Crane Operator information

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How much do overhead crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for overhead crane operator in the United States is $18.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can crane operators make 300k a year?

Overhead crane operators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with top earners in specialized industries or with extensive experience reaching higher salaries. Earning $300,000 a year is uncommon and would generally require advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-paying sectors or managerial roles.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends staying at least three times the load's weight away from the load, three times the load's weight away from the crane, and three times the load's weight away from the crane's swing radius. Overhead crane operators must follow these distances to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation, especially when working with heavy loads and in busy environments.

How much do top crane operators make?

Top overhead crane operators can earn salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry. Skilled operators with specialized training and certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand environments or with overtime opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Overhead Crane Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overhead Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation safety, load management, and mechanical aptitude, typically supported by a high school diploma and operator certification. Familiarity with industrial crane controls, rigging equipment, and OSHA safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, strong hand-eye coordination, and clear communication skills set top operators apart. These abilities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient material handling and preventing workplace accidents in industrial environments.

What Does an Overhead Crane Operator Do?

As an overhead crane operator, your duties and responsibilities include operating different types of cranes, such as a gantry crane, at a construction site, rail depot, shipyard, or another facility. You use cranes for lifting steel components, ship containers, or other large objects. For example, at a construction site, you may move beams or mechanical equipment up to the tops of skyscrapers. At a port, on the other hand, you use cranes to unload ships and load trucks or trains which carry the freight to distribution facilities.

What are some common challenges Overhead Crane Operators face on the job?

Overhead Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as maneuvering heavy loads in tight or crowded spaces, maintaining focus during repetitive tasks, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Operators must constantly communicate with ground personnel to ensure smooth coordination and prevent accidents. Additionally, they need to stay updated on equipment maintenance and quickly troubleshoot any mechanical issues to minimize downtime.

What are Overhead Crane Operators?

Overhead Crane Operators are skilled professionals who operate cranes that move heavy materials through the overhead space in factories, warehouses, construction sites, and other industrial settings. They use mechanical and electronic controls to lift, move, and position loads precisely, often working with large, heavy, or unwieldy objects. These operators must follow strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of themselves and others, as well as the integrity of the materials being handled. Their role is crucial to efficient material handling and workflow in many industrial environments.

How much does an overhead crane operator earn?

Overhead crane operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in industrial settings may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What is the difference between Overhead Crane Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectOverhead Crane OperatorForklift Operator
CertificationsCrane operator license, OSHA certificationForklift certification, OSHA certification
Work EnvironmentFactories, warehouses, construction sites with overhead cranesWarehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants
Job DutiesOperate overhead cranes to move heavy loads vertically and horizontallyOperate forklifts to transport materials over short distances

Both roles require OSHA certification and are common in industrial settings. Overhead Crane Operators focus on lifting heavy loads with overhead cranes, while Forklift Operators handle material transport using forklifts. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit based on skills and work environment.

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Overhead Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overhead Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,735 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Overhead Crane Operator

Overhead Crane Operator

Momentum Staffing

Houston, TX • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time

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

Job description

Overhead Crane Operator

Location: Houston, TX 77029
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Must be available 6:00 AM–5:30 PM
Experience Required: Minimum 2 years recent overhead crane experience

We are seeking an experienced Overhead Crane Operator to assist with moving, staging, and handling long, heavy materials throughout a warehouse environment.

Job Duties:

  • Operate an overhead crane safely and efficiently
  • Move and stage heavy sheets, coils, beams, and other long materials
  • Assist with warehouse production and material handling as needed
  • Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area

Requirements:

  • Must have at least 2 years of recent overhead crane experience
  • Must be comfortable handling long and heavy materials
  • Must be reliable and able to work Monday–Friday with availability from 6:00 AM–5:30 PM
  • Must pass criminal background check
  • No theft, aggravated offenses, or current parole
  • Must have reliable transportation