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Overhead Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Conflux Systems

Overhead Crane Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$25/hr

Shift: $25/Hr., 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM, Mon to Thur, 12 Months Contract W2 The Overhead Crane Operator supports multi-phase transition manufacturing by setting up and operating automated and semi ...

Vir Healthway

Overhead Crane Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$25/hr

Shift: $25/Hr., 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM, Mon to Thur, 12 Months Contract W2 The Overhead Crane Operator supports multi-phase transition manufacturing by setting up and operating automated and semi ...

Vir Healthway

Overhead Crane Operator

Charlotte, NC

$25/hr

Shift: $25/Hr., 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM, Mon to Thur, 12 Months Contract W2 The Overhead Crane Operator supports multi-phase transition manufacturing by setting up and operating automated and semi ...

Ursitti Enterprises LLC

Overhead crane operator

Gary, IN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Overhead Crane Operator Location: Gary, Indiana Company: Steel Service Center Employment Type: Full-Time Shift: 1st and 2nd Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Overhead Crane ...

EPIC Piping

Overhead Crane Operator Nights

Livingston, LA · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

POSITION SUMMARY 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 ...

EPIC Piping

Overhead Crane Operator Nights

Livingston, LA · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

POSITION SUMMARY 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 ...

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How much do overhead crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 87% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,735 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Overhead Crane Operator (Nights)

Overhead Crane Operator (Nights)

LED FastStart

Livingston, LA

$15 - $17.75/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

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 bringing it down.

Essential Functions

Operate crane under general supervision. Manipulate or depress crane controls to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement according to written, verbal, or signal instructions. Lift, position, and place material or other large objects needed in bays. Work within precise limits and standards of accuracy. Operate crane according to signals from helper. Start and stop crane controls. Follow directions carefully.

Position Qualifications
  • Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
  • Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
  • Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
  • Loyal - The trait of feeling a duty to the employer.
  • Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
  • Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
  • Research Skills - Ability to design and conduct a systematic, objective, and critical investigation.
  • Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one's conduct.
  • Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
  • Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
  • Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
  • Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
Skills & Abilities

Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED): Preferred

Experience:

Crane Operator I: 6 months to One-year experience with overhead crane

Crane Operator II: 1-3 years' experience with overhead crane

Crane Operator III: 3 plus years' experience with overhead crane

Computer Skills: Not applicable

Certifications & Licenses: None specifically required.

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