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Overhead Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Friedman Industries Inc

Overhead Crane Operator

Sinton, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Crane Operator - Sinton, TX Friedman Industries is seeking a safety-focused and dependable Crane Operator to join our operations team in Sinton, Texas. This role is responsible for operating overhead ...

Triad Metals

Overhead Crane Operator

Petersburg, VA

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Crane Operator Established in 1987, Triad Metals International is a privately held, independent ... This position works on the warehouse floor, processing orders via overhead crane. He/she will send ...

Triad Metals

Overhead Crane Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Crane Operator Established in 1987, Triad Metals International is a privately held, independent ... This position works on the warehouse floor, processing orders via overhead crane. He/she will send ...

Triad Metals

Overhead Crane Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Crane Operator Established in 1987, Triad Metals International is a privately held, independent ... This position works on the warehouse floor, processing orders via overhead crane. He/she will send ...

Friedman Industries Inc

Overhead Crane Operator

Sinton, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Crane Operator - Sinton, TX Friedman Industries is seeking a safety-focused and dependable Crane Operator to join our operations team in Sinton, Texas. This role is responsible for operating overhead ...

Miller Industries LLC.

Overhead Crane Operator

Fenton, MI

$15.25 - $18/hr

Who We Want Miller Industries is seeking Overhead Crane Operators for our 1st Shift in Fenton, Michigan. The hours are 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, with overtime as required for production ...

Integrity Buyer, LLC.

Overhead Crane Operator

Mogadore, OH

$14.50 - $17/hr

Overhead Crane Cab Operator (2nd Shift) Location: Akron, OH Company: BICO Shift: 2nd Shift (2:00 PM - 10:00 PM) Employment Type: Full-Time (Union Shop) Position Summary BICO is seeking an experienced ...

Aerotek

Overhead Crane Operator

Chesterton, IN

$16.25 - $19/hr

Overhead Crane Operator - Heavy Industrial Steel This role operates power-driven overhead gantry cranes and related equipment to move large steel slabs safely and efficiently within a heavy ...

Red Dot Corp

Overhead Crane Operator

Athens, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Safely operate overhead cranes to lift, position, and move materials throughout the production ... Complete the required crane safety training video. * Read and sign the Crane Operator

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Overhead Crane Operator information

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How much do overhead crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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.

Can crane operators make 300k a year?

Overhead crane operators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with top earners in specialized industries or with extensive experience reaching higher salaries. Earning $300,000 a year is uncommon and would generally require advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-paying sectors or managerial roles.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends staying at least three times the load's weight away from the load, three times the load's weight away from the crane, and three times the load's weight away from the crane's swing radius. Overhead crane operators must follow these distances to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation, especially when working with heavy loads and in busy environments.

How much do top crane operators make?

Top overhead crane operators can earn salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry. Skilled operators with specialized training and certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand environments or with overtime opportunities.

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.

How much does an overhead crane operator earn?

Overhead crane operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in industrial settings may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,735 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Overhead Crane Operator

Overhead Crane Operator

Automation Personnel Services

New Orleans, LA

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Crane Operator
Automation Personnel Services is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Crane Operator for a company located in New Orleans, LA. In this role, you will be responsible for handling materials related to the shipping and receiving of inventory and customer orders while operating overhead cranes and forklifts safely and efficiently.
Pay Rate
$18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Schedule
Monday through Friday
  • 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Crane Operator Duties & Responsibilities
  • Safely operate overhead cranes and forklifts.
  • Identify and handle products according to color coding and customer specifications.
  • Read and utilize measuring devices accurately.
  • Unload and receive inbound stock shipments.
  • Load outbound shipments and complete all required shipping and receiving documentation.
  • Properly secure loads for transport, including chaining and tarping trailers.
  • Follow all safety policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
  • Maintain an organized work area and assist with inventory movement as needed.
Crane Operator Qualifications & Requirements
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience operating overhead cranes in an industrial or distribution environment.
  • Current overhead crane certification required.
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Knowledge of DOT regulations regarding load weights and transportation requirements.
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and operational processes.
  • Dependable attendance and strong work ethic.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and assist with training others.
Full time,
Benefits
  • Weekly Pay
  • Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
  • 40 Hours Service Bonus after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours
  • 6 paid Holidays after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours
401(k) Retirement Plan
Automation Personnel Services is the only staffing agency specializing in manufacturing and industrial roles that offers 401(k) matching to all eligible contingent and temporary associates.
Click Apply Now to submit your application or call us at 504.888.4705 to learn more. You can also apply in person at our office located at:
Automation Personnel Services New Orleans Branch
4027 Veterans Memorial Blvd
Metairie, LA 70002
Bonus Opportunity!
We are also offering a $50.00 referral bonus. Both employee and referral must stay on assignment for 30 days to receive the payout.
About Automation Personnel Services
Automation Personnel Services is a highly recognized staffing agency with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Our accolades include:
  • 11-time consecutive winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award (2016-2026).
  • Winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award (2019-2026).
  • Recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.
  • Named one of the Best Staffing Companies to Work For by CIO Views Magazine.
  • Named one of America’s Best Temp Staffing Firms by Forbes (2025).
  • Consistently ranked among the top U.S. staffing agencies by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).
Get that New Job Feeling! Apply Today!
Equal Opportunity Employer

APSNewOrleans
Automation Personnel Services logo

About Automation Personnel Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Automation Personnel Services is an award-winning staffing agency with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Automation Personnel Services is the winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award in 2019-2022, and the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award for seven straight years, 2016-2022. Automation Personnel Services is also the recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1990

Social media

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