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Port Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

San Diego, CA

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred ... Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number ...

Crane Operator

San Diego, CA

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred ... Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number ...

Crane Operator

Jamul, CA

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred ... Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number ...

Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred ... Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number ...

E-Crane Operator

Braithwaite, LA

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Performs all duties assigned by the superintendent to make sure port operations continue without interruption. Ensure that safe crane operating conditions are met before and during operation. * Works ...

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Performs all duties assigned by the superintendent to make sure port operations continue without interruption. [SAFETY] * Ensure that safe crane operating conditions are met before and during ...

E-Crane Operator

Braithwaite, LA

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Performs all duties assigned by the superintendent to make sure port operations continue without interruption. [SAFETY] * Ensure that safe crane operating conditions are met before and during ...

E-Crane Operator

Pointe A La Hache, LA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Performs all duties assigned by the superintendent to make sure port operations continue without interruption. [SAFETY] * Ensure that safe crane operating conditions are met before and during ...

Crane Operator

Golden Meadow, LA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We currently have a position available for an Crane Operator at our site in Port Fourchon, LA. Pay: $20-$23/HR DOE Shift: This is a rotational shift position, working for 14 days from 6:00am to 6 ...

Crane Operator Port Arthur, TX, United States Position Summary Industrial Heavy Equipment Operators will operate one or more cranes to move heavy equipment from one location to another location. This ...

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Showing results 1-20

Port Crane Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do port crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for port crane operator in the United States is $28.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Port Crane Operator vs Dockworker?

AspectPort Crane OperatorDockworker
CredentialsCrane operation certifications, OSHA safety trainingBasic safety training, OSHA certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOperate cranes in port terminals, outdoor, heavy machineryManual labor, loading/unloading cargo, outdoor
Industry UsageUsed in shipping, logistics, freight handlingUsed in shipping, freight, cargo handling

While both Port Crane Operators and Dockworkers work in port environments and handle cargo, Port Crane Operators focus on operating cranes to move containers and heavy loads, requiring specialized certifications. Dockworkers perform manual loading and unloading tasks, often working alongside crane operators. Both roles are essential in port logistics but differ in skills and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Port Crane Operator jobs? Cities with the most Port Crane Operator job openings:
What states have the most Port Crane Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Port Crane Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Port Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Crane Operator

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Posting End Date: Until Filled
Shift: ALL
Security Clearance: No Clearance Required
Who We Are
General Dynamics NASSCO is one of three shipyards in the Marine Systems group of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics NASSCO traces its beginnings to the industrial heart of San Diego, along the working waterfront of beautiful and historic San Diego Bay. The company has been designing and building ships in San Diego's industrial corridor since 1960 and is the largest full service shipyard on the West Coast of the United States
Job Summary
Operates a variety of diesel electric cranes, including portal, tower, mobile, mobile (auxiliary), overhead (cab), overhead (floor), to lift and move heavy objects and machinery. Responds to ground signals to rotate boom, alter angle of boom, reposition crane and raise and lowers load. Inspects crane for defective parts and performs routine maintenance and inspection procedures. Performs other related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.
Qualifications Standards
Must have knowledge of mechanical and crane operation principles. NCCCO License to operate Mobile Hydraulic Crane (All Terrain) preferred. Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred. Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number, compartment location, etc.) Must be able to coordinate hand, foot and eye movement. Basic knowledge and comprehension of weights and conversion (lbs, tons, kilograms) needed. Knowledge and comprehension of universal hand-signals for rigging and crane operations necessary with the ability to clearly communicate via hand-held radio. Must have the ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and be available to work any shift. Must comprehend written and verbal instructions, hear warning signals and read and comprehend safety instructions, regulations and warnings.
Essential Job Tasks
  1. Operate diesel electric cranes, including portal, tower, mobile, mobile (auxiliary), overhead (cab), overhead (floor) cranes; rotate and alter boom angles in response to radio or hand signals to raise, lower and transfer loads.
  2. Set up machinery and equipment, including boom lengths and crib outriggers.
  3. Rig machinery and material in and out of ships.
  4. Provide data into log books relating to lifts.
  5. Read load charts and understand different types of load materials and landing areas.
  6. Inspect cranes for proper operation.
  7. Conduct pre and post-job inspections independently and/or with supervision.
  8. Perform minor crane maintenance, clean windows, and make basic repairs.
  9. Train and mentor others in essential rigging job functions and safe crane operations.
  10. Other job duties as assigned relevant to the trade.

Materials, Tools, Equipment, Work Aids
Basic hand and power tools, rigging tools, gloves, lubricating greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required.
Physical/Mental Involvement
Repetitive or prolonged sitting, climbing, balancing, and lifting. Lifting body weight, sitting, reaching, handling, pushing/pulling, standing, walking, leaning and seeing (to maintain visual contact with load), eye/hand/foot coordination. Hearing warning signals, reading and comprehending safety instructions and planning sequence. Works in all areas of the shipyard and on board ships. Hearing warning signals and reading and comprehending safety instructions. Must be able to maintain general safety awareness and avoid hazards commonly present in employee's work area.
Marginal Job Tasks
Housekeeping in all work areas, including sweeping. May be required to attend safety, quality and/or process improvement meetings.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to wind, rain, ambient temperatures such as extreme heat and cold, wet and humid conditions, dust, and toxic/caustic chemicals. Works at heights of up to 120' on piers or barges. Exposed to high levels of constant noise.
PAY SCALE $33.15 - $36.50
This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the hourly range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services.
General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Call (619) 544-8511 or email nasscohr@nassco.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.
NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer