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Overhead Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Olympic Steel

Crane Operator

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

The Crane Operator is responsible for safe efficient transfer of materials in the warehouse. Candidate must possess knowledge and skills of the capabilities, limitations and mechanical state of ...

Olympic Steel

Crane Operator

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

The Crane Operator is responsible for safe efficient transfer of materials in the warehouse. Candidate must possess knowledge and skills of the capabilities, limitations and mechanical state of ...

Olympic Steel

Crane Operator

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

The Crane Operator is responsible for safe efficient transfer of materials in the warehouse. Candidate must possess knowledge and skills of the capabilities, limitations and mechanical state of ...

Woodruff Construction

Crane Operator

Waterloo, IA

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Waterloo, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating lattice ...

Woodruff Construction

Crane Operator

Fort Dodge, IA

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Fort Dodge, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating ...

Woodruff Construction

Crane Operator

Iowa City, IA

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Iowa City, IA area. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating ...

Woodruff Construction

Crane Operator

Spencer, IA

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Spencer, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating lattice ...

Access Dubuque

Crane Operator/Loader

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Crane Operator/Loader Russel Metals (USA) Inc. 1 Positions ID: 87009 Posted On 02/02/2026 Refreshed On 07/07/2026 Job Overview Summary of Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities • Operate overhead ...

Woodruff Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Ames, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating lattice ...

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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.

Crane Operator

Story Construction

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position: 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 site needs.

Position Summary:

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, move and grade earth, or pour concrete or other hard-surface pavement is a requirement. This position may be required to repair and maintain equipment. Also, the Crane Operator may perform hands-on construction-laborer work in the field semi-regularly.


As a certified crane operator at Story Construction, you will enjoy the wealth building benefits of our Employee Stock Ownership Program AND a 401K+company match. You will have the opportunity to work year-round on a variety of projects such as structural steel, precast, concrete, and water treatment. Additionally, Story pays for travel and your costs to maintain your certification. Join a company where you are valued and rewarded for your teamwork and skills.


Responsibilities:

  • Operate a crane and other heavy machinery, including excavator, loaders, and other large equipment to erect structures, excavate, move and grade earth, or pour concrete as directed.
  • Perform routine equipment inspections to ensure equipment is in safe, working condition.
  • Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
  • Complete necessary paperwork such as permits, lift plans maintenance logs, etc.
  • Perform building and construction work including concrete walls, foundations, and slabs; structural steel and metal erection; interior and exterior process pipe installations; and general carpentry and finishes.
  • Conduct jobsite safety walk throughs.
  • Follow all health and safety regulations when performing work and as otherwise instructed.
  • Train others in experienced tasks and learn tasks as needed or instructed.
  • Ensure all equipment and tools are cleaned and stored properly and assist with inventory management.
  • Actively participate in work planning and the continuous improvement process.
  • Follow all company work and safety policies and procedures.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • LBC Certification required, TLL and TSS preferred in addition to LBC.
  • Minimum of 2 years of construction experience.
  • Means of getting to and from jobsite with the ability to travel out of town and over-night as needed.


Travel: Frequent travel is a requirement of the job. Most jobsites are in central Iowa; however, overnight travel is common. Occasional overtime may be required.


Working Conditions:

Employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration, loud noises, and more within OSHA standards. Job duties are often performed in close physical proximity to other people. Employees often work in outdoor conditions that include inclement weather such as heat, humidity, cold, wind, and dust. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, stand for long periods of time, walk for moderate-to-long distances on varying surface conditions, climb, crawl, crouch, reach, grip, push, and pull without issue. Must possess adequate communicative, auditory, and visual capabilities to avoid safety hazards.

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