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Overhead Crane Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

The overhead crane operator is responsible for pulling slab orders accurately and safely. This task will be performed using the overhead cranes. Work Hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM ...

Crane Operator - 1st Shift

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$24.45 - $25.92/hr

The function will require operation of an overhead crane. In this function, you will: • Assist Painters by prepping units, operating ovens, and operating the 25-ton crane. • Assist Final ...

Crane Operator

Monroe, WI · On-site

$20/hr

Safely operate overhead cranes and other approved material-handling equipment to move and position materials. * Load, unload, lift, transport, and accurately position materials, products, and ...

Crane Operator - 1st Shift

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$24.45 - $25.92/hr

The function will require operation of an overhead crane. In this function, you will: • Assist Painters by prepping units, operating ovens, and operating the 25-ton crane. • Assist Final ...

The function will require operation of an overhead crane. In this function, you will: Assist Painters by prepping units, operating ovens, and operating the 25-ton crane. Assist Final Assemblers with ...

The function will require operation of an overhead crane. In this function, you will: • Assist Painters by prepping units, operating ovens, and operating the 25-ton crane. • Assist Final ...

CA Lawton in De Pere is looking for overhead crane operators for our foundry. Must have prior crane operating experience!!! What are the hours and pay? * Monday-Friday 4:00 AM- 2:30 PM (plus OT as ...

Boom Truck Crane Operator Nations Roof is a leader in the Commercial Roofing. We are seeking self-motivated individuals who are interested in growing with a company that values safety, teamwork, and ...

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Overhead Crane Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$18

$24

How much do overhead crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for overhead crane operator in Wisconsin is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Wisconsin?

For Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Overhead Crane Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Overhead Crane Operator jobs in WI?

For Overhead Crane Operator jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Overhead Crane Operator job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,088 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

OVERHEAD CRANE OPERATOR

Gordon Aluminum Industries INC

Schofield, WI • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

? NOW HIRING: OVERHEAD CRANE OPERATOR / MATERIAL FLOW

Gordon Aluminum is looking for an experienced Overhead Crane Operator to play a critical role in keeping material moving throughout our manufacturing operation.


This is much more than simply operating a crane.


Our Crane Operator reports to Shipping but supports the flow of material between Shipping, Extrusion, and Fabrication. This person must constantly evaluate priorities, anticipate what each department will need next, and strategically position material so production continues moving efficiently.


What Makes This Role Different?

At any given time, you may be:

  • Moving cradles onto the Emmebi packaging line for Shipping.
  • Relocating finished or in-process material.
  • Moving empty and full cradles between departments.
  • Responding to material needs from Extrusion or Fabrication.
  • Deciding where material should be staged so it doesn't create congestion or require unnecessary handling later.
  • Reprioritizing your work as production and shipping needs change.

You need to be able to think several moves ahead.


Moving something to the first available space isn't always the right answer. A strong Crane Operator considers where the material is going next, when it will be needed, what needs access to the area, and how today's placement will affect the next several material moves.

Requirements

Skills We're Looking For

Overhead crane experience is required, but we're especially interested in candidates who demonstrate:

  • Strong spatial awareness
  • Material-flow and logistics thinking
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination
  • Ability to judge distance, clearance, load position, and surrounding hazards
  • Strategic staging and organization skills
  • Ability to prioritize multiple requests
  • Strong situational awareness
  • Quick, safe decision-making
  • Ability to anticipate downstream production needs
  • Comfort communicating with several departments
  • Ability to stay organized while priorities change
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to remain focused under pressure
  • Safety awareness around people, equipment, machinery, and suspended loads

This is an extremely fast-paced position. The right person will be someone who enjoys having multiple things happening at once and can determine the safest and most efficient sequence of moves without needing someone to direct every step.

Your Experience May Transfer Well If You've Worked As A:
  • Overhead Crane Operator
  • Material Handler
  • Steel or Aluminum Mill Material Handler
  • Coil Handler
  • Heavy Manufacturing Forklift Operator
  • Shipping/Receiving Material Handler
  • Production Material Coordinator
  • Fabrication Material Handler
  • Machine/Production Feeder
  • Warehouse Material Flow Specialist
  • Yard or Material Coordinator
  • Heavy Industrial Equipment Operator

Experience in aluminum, steel, metal fabrication, foundries, mills, lumber, heavy manufacturing, or other high-volume material-handling environments may translate particularly well.

We're looking for someone who doesn't just know how to operate equipment. We need someone who can look at a busy production floor, understand what needs to happen next, and create order out of constant movement.