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Overhead Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Harsco Environmental

Overhead Crane Operator

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$27.81/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * 1 - 3 years' experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is ... Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching on occasional basis. * Ability to tolerate extreme ...

Enviri Corporation

Overhead Crane Operator

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$27.81/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * 1 - 3 years' experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is ... Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching on occasional basis. * Ability to tolerate extreme ...

Enviri Corporation

Overhead Crane Operator

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$27.81/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * 1 - 3 years' experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is ... Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching on occasional basis. * Ability to tolerate extreme ...

Enviri Corporation

Overhead Crane Operator

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$27.81/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * 1 - 3 years' experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is ... Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching on occasional basis. * Ability to tolerate extreme ...

Owen Industries

SHIPPING CRANE OPERATOR

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Overhead Crane Operator - Shipping & Material Handling | $19-$21/hr | 4-Day Work Week MVS Metals (Owen Industries) - Sioux City, IA | Mon-Thu, 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM Run the Crane. Load the Trucks. Own ...

Harsco Environmental

Overhead Crane Technician

Muscatine, IA

$27.75 - $35.25/hr

Electrical and Mechanical troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and modifying overhead crane systems. * Perform maintenance and repairs on outdoor overhead cranes and other equipment on site in all ...

New

Enviri Corporation

Overhead Crane Technician

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$27.75 - $35.25/hr

Job Responsibilities: • Electrical and Mechanical troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and modifying overhead crane systems. • Perform maintenance and repairs on outdoor overhead cranes and ...

Enviri Corporation

Overhead Crane Technician

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$27.75 - $35.25/hr

Electrical and Mechanical troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and modifying overhead crane systems. Perform maintenance and repairs on outdoor overhead cranes and other equipment on site in all ...

PKG Contracting

Crane Operator

Sioux City, IA · On-site

... The Crane Operator will safely operate cranes to transfer heavy objects from one location to ... overhead lines, and other possible obstructions to ensure there are no accidents or damage to ...

PKG Contracting Inc

Crane Operator

Sioux City, IA · On-site

... The Crane Operator will safely operate cranes to transfer heavy objects from one location to ... overhead lines, and other possible obstructions to ensure there are no accidents or damage to ...

Iowa Bridge & Culvert

Crane Operator

Burlington, IA · On-site

We are looking for Crane Operators to operate lattice boom crawler cranes as well as various other types of heavy machinery involved in the construction of bridge and/or culvert projects. Crane ...

Iowa Bridge & Culvert

Crane Operator

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

We are looking for Crane Operators to operate lattice boom crawler cranes as well as various other types of heavy machinery involved in the construction of bridge and/or culvert projects. Crane ...

Iowa Bridge & Culvert

Crane Operator

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

We are looking for Crane Operators to operate lattice boom crawler cranes as well as various other types of heavy machinery involved in the construction of bridge and/or culvert projects. Crane ...

Iowa Bridge & Culvert

Crane Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

We are looking for Crane Operators to operate lattice boom crawler cranes as well as various other types of heavy machinery involved in the construction of bridge and/or culvert projects. Crane ...

Iowa Bridge & Culvert

Crane Operator

Washington, IA

We are looking for Crane Operators to operate lattice boom crawler cranes as well as various other types of heavy machinery involved in the construction of bridge and/or culvert projects. Crane ...

Story Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA · On-site

Crane Operator The primary function of the position is crane operation; however, other heavy equipment operation such as excavators, loaders, and other large equipment to erect structures, excavate ...

Story Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA · On-site

Crane Operator Reports to: Superintendent Status: Full time, non-exempt (hourly) Compensation: Commensurate with experience Work hours/schedule : Schedule and work hours will vary depending on job ...

Story Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA · On-site

Crane Operator Reports to: Superintendent Status: Full time, non-exempt (hourly) Compensation: Commensurate with experience Work hours/schedule: Schedule and work hours will vary depending on job ...

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All JobsOverhead Crane Operator JobsOverhead Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa

Overhead Crane Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do overhead crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for overhead crane operator in Iowa is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is an overhead crane operator?

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.

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.

More about Overhead Crane Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Iowa? For Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Overhead Crane Operator jobs in IA? For Overhead Crane Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Overhead Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overhead Crane Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,443 per year, or $17 per hour.

Overhead Crane Operator

Harsco Environmental

Muscatine, IA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Harsco Environmental is the premier provider of material processing and environmental services to the global steel and metals industries. Our onsite mill services and resource recovery services offer sustainable solutions that maximize environmental benefit and return valuable raw material into production. We also have developed a range of by-products for specialized applications across industry, construction and agriculture, which utilize Harsco’s expertise in mineral materials.

Job Description

If you are looking for a job with a starting rate from $27.81 per hour, based on experience, with paid vacation and holidays, health benefits, group term life insurance, short term disability benefits and a 401(k) with a company paid match, Please read below!

 Work Schedule:    

Various rotating shift schedules.

Breaks available as production allows.

 Responsibilities:

  1. Operates cab-controlled traveling crane to lift; move and position scrap from railcars onto the ground and load scrap from the ground into railcars.
  2. Offload material for Hand Burners to process.
  3. Loads scrap buckets and visually monitor weight of scrap placed in each bucket when needed.
  4. Responsible for scrap inspection as it is being loaded.
  5. Manipulates or depresses crane controls such as pedals, levers, to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement.
  6. Inspects crane for defective parts and notifies supervisor of defects or malfunctions.
  7. Operates mobile equipment as needed.
  8. Communicates and directs co-workers through two-way radio and hand signals.
  9. Assist maintenance with cleaning on down days.

  Environment:   Outdoors 100%:   80% (inside the cab of the crane)    20% (outside cleaning pits and transfer cars)

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 - 3 years’ experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is preferred.
  • Ability to work in a steel mill environment, which may include dust and extreme weather conditions, and uneven surfaces.
  • Good communications skills, and the ability to read operating instructions.

  Physical Requirements:

  •  Ability to climb stairs, climb ladders, reach, squat, tolerate prolonged standing/walking, balance,  

        Bend from trunk, operate mobile equipment, crawl, kneel, push and pull objects.

  •  Reach, squat, and tolerate prolonged sitting.
  •  Lift objects of various dimensions and weights.
  •  Ability to tolerate whole body vibration.
  •   Ability to operate hand controls with both hands.
  •   Ability to operate foot pedals with both feet.
  •   Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching on occasional basis.
  •   Ability to tolerate extreme ambient temperatures ranging from 0° F to 130° F.
  •   Ability to tolerate working in cramped quarters and at heights.
  •   Ability to tolerate swing shift work schedule.
  •   Ability to tolerate working in areas where noise levels can reach 120 decibels.

Additional Information

We offer competitive benefits, including health insurance, life insurance and disability plans, as well as a 401k with company matching.

Harsco Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This commitment applies to decisions made with respect to hiring, placement, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, demotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs, return from layoffs, administration of benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer:
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.”