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Overhead Crane Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Overhead Crane Operator

Saint Paul, MN

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Overhead Crane Operator $27.22 | First Shift: M-F: 6am-2:30pm, Second Shift: M-T: 2:30pm-12:50am This role focuses on safely unloading semi-trailers, staging metal products, and handling materials ...

Crane Operator We are seeking a skilled crane operator to join our team in Crystal, MN. This full-time, year-round position involves operating one of our three truck cranes (20-ton, 40-ton, or Effer ...

We are seeking a skilled Crane Operator to join our team in Crystal, MN. This full-time, year-round position involves operating one of our three truck cranes (20-ton, 40-ton, or Effer Grapple Saw ...

We are seeking a skilled Crane Operator to join our team in Crystal, MN. This full-time, year-round position involves operating one of our three truck cranes (20-ton, 40-ton, or Effer Grapple Saw ...

Be Seen First

Crane Operator/Heavy Equipment experience is preferred along with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems, but willing to train the right candidate. This position requires occasional travel ...

Be Seen First

Crane Operator/Heavy Equipment experience is preferred along with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems, but willing to train the right candidate. This position requires occasional travel ...

Lunda Construction Company, a Tutor Perini Company, is seeking Crane Operator (Union) to join our project sites in the Black River Falls, WI; Waukesha, WI; Hilbert, WI; and Rosemount, MN regions.

Lunda Construction Company, a Tutor Perini Company, is seeking Crane Operator (Union) to join our project sites in the Black River Falls, WI; Waukesha, WI; Hilbert, WI; and Rosemount, MN regions.

Crane Operator (1st shift)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$24.32 - $25.43/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Crane Operator (2nd shift)

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$28.50 - $29.50/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (1st shift)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$24.32 - $25.43/hr

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 ...

Crane Operator (1st shift)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$24.32 - $25.43/hr

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 ...

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Overhead Crane Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$17

$23

How much do overhead crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for overhead crane operator in Minnesota is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $18.85 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.

What are popular job titles related to Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Overhead Crane Operator jobs in MN? For Overhead Crane Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Overhead Crane Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,958 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Overhead Crane Operator

Aerotek

Saint Paul, MN

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Overhead Crane Operator

$27.22 | First Shift: M-F: 6am-2:30pm, Second Shift: M-T: 2:30pm-12:50am

Job Description

This role focuses on safely unloading semi-trailers, staging metal products, and handling materials after they are cut to length using an overhead crane in a large industrial warehouse. You will support machine operators by moving materials to and from production equipment and loading or unloading trucks. Over time, you will have the opportunity to learn and operate additional equipment such as cut-to-length lines and plasma cutters to help process customer orders.

Responsibilities

  • Operate an overhead crane to move metal products to and from machines and in and out of semi-trailers.
  • Unload semis and stage product in designated areas to support production flow.
  • Handle material after it has been cut to length, including organizing, staging, and preparing it for shipment or re-rolling.
  • Support machine operators by supplying necessary materials and performing material handling tasks throughout the shift.
  • Assist with cutting metal to length and preparing it for shipment according to customer specifications.
  • Learn and, as trained, operate equipment such as cut-to-length lines and plasma cutters to process customer orders.
  • Perform order picking and inventory-related tasks to ensure accurate material availability and tracking.
  • Use shop math to determine weights and ensure safe and proper use of the overhead crane.
  • Read and interpret tape measurements to verify dimensions and ensure accuracy in material handling.
  • Follow all safety procedures and participate in safety training and paperwork on the first day and ongoing.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area within the warehouse.
  • Adhere to production schedules and support overall productivity goals.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate material flow and address issues promptly.

Essential Skills

  • Previous warehouse or overhead crane experience (years of experience strongly preferred).
  • Hands-on experience with overhead crane operation or a strong willingness to learn.
  • Material handling experience, including loading and unloading trucks and staging product.
  • Ability to perform shop math, including understanding weights for safe crane operation.
  • Ability to accurately read and use a tape measure.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and a clear desire to learn new equipment and processes.
  • Experience working in a production or industrial environment.
  • Ability to perform inventory and order picking tasks accurately.
  • Capability to work safely in a large industrial warehouse environment.
  • Reliability to work assigned shifts and overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Crane experience is a significant plus and highly valued for this position.
  • Experience handling sheet metal or similar metal products.
  • Experience in production, unloading, and order picking operations.
  • Interest in cross-training on cut-to-length lines, plasma cutters, and other production equipment.
  • Comfort working in a union environment after the initial contract period.
  • Willingness to train on first shift for up to one month if assigned to an off shift.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a clear path from a short contract period into a union role, providing long-term stability and growth. Once hired on, you become eligible for a monthly production bonus based on productivity and hours worked, as well as a quarterly safety bonus of up to 4% of your quarterly pay. A 401(k) plan with a 5% match supports your long-term financial goals. As you cross-train and expand your skills, you can earn pay increases based on your growing knowledge and versatility. The organization values safety, skill development, and rewarding employees for their contributions, making it an appealing environment for those seeking a career, not just a job.

Work Environment

This position begins as a 90-day contract-to-union role in a very large, industrial warehouse originally built to accommodate large-scale manufacturing. The facility is old-school and expansive, with doors frequently opening and closing, which means temperatures vary significantly: it is hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the temperature cannot be fully controlled. Despite these conditions, employees benefit from strong compensation, bonuses, and development opportunities. The work is performed indoors and out of direct weather elements, but you should be comfortable with fluctuating temperatures. Shifts include a first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a second shift from 2:30 p.m. to 12:50 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with a $0.75 shift differential for second shift and potential overtime on the late shift. Off-shift employees may train on first shift for up to one month. The schedule includes two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute unpaid lunch. Safety is a priority, with the first day dedicated to safety training and paperwork. Steel-toe boots with built-in metatarsal protection (non-detachable) are required as part of the dress code to ensure safe operation in this heavy industrial environment.

If you are interested in next steps, please schedule a virtual with me to talk through next steps!

https://talentassistant.aerotek.com/assistant/bookings/TAtfU0HN

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Roseville, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.22 - $27.97/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Roseville,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.