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Tower Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator/Loader Russel Metals (USA) Inc. 1 Positions ID: 87009 Posted On 02/02/2026 Refreshed On 08/07/2026 Job Overview Summary of Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities • Operate overhead ...

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Waterloo, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating lattice ...

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Spencer, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating lattice ...

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Iowa City, IA area. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating ...

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Fort Dodge, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating ...

Woodruff is seeking qualified applicants who are reliable, hard-working team players to fill a full-time Crane Operator role in Ames, IA. Ideal candidates have experience safely operating lattice ...

High school diploma or equivalent. * 1 - 3 years' experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is preferred. * Ability to work in a steel mill environment, which may include dust and extreme ...

High school diploma or equivalent. * 1 - 3 years' experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is preferred. * Ability to work in a steel mill environment, which may include dust and extreme ...

High school diploma or equivalent. * 1 - 3 years' experience as a crane/heavy equipment operator is preferred. * Ability to work in a steel mill environment, which may include dust and extreme ...

General Summary Operates crane to lift and move building materials from ground areas to trucks to top of other structures Essential Job Accountabilities * Assist with lift plan. * Have proper ...

Past experience operating cranes including pile driving, vibratory hammer, clam shell work, swinging concrete and rebar, etc. * Knowledge of basic lifting and rigging and fluent with hand signals.

Showing results 21-40

Tower Crane Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$19

$32

$44

How much do tower crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for tower crane operator in Iowa is $32.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $36.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a tower crane operator do?

A tower crane operator is responsible for operating large cranes that are used to lift and move heavy materials on construction sites, especially for tall buildings and structures. They control the crane from a cab high above the ground, ensuring loads are moved safely and accurately according to site plans. Operators must communicate closely with ground crews and follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and damage. Their role is crucial in keeping construction projects on schedule and ensuring the safety of all workers on site.

What does a tower crane operator do?

A tower crane operator uses heavy equipment to lift and move construction materials and equipment around a job site. As a tower crane operator, you need specialized training in how to safely operate a crane. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a 10-hour training program, and the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) provides tower crane certification. While operating your tower crane, you must follow established load limits for your heavy equipment, watch signalers to control crane movement, and communicate with your crew via radio.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tower crane operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tower Crane Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, along with completion of a crane operator training program and relevant certification (such as NCCCO). Familiarity with load charts, radio communication systems, and safety monitoring devices is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set outstanding operators apart. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise lifting operations on construction sites.

What are some common challenges tower crane operators face on construction sites, and how are they typically addressed?

Tower Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining clear communication with ground crews, and ensuring safety while maneuvering heavy loads in tight spaces. These challenges are typically addressed through strict adherence to safety protocols, ongoing training, and use of radios or hand signals to coordinate movements. Operators also participate in regular safety briefings and collaborate closely with site supervisors and riggers to minimize risks and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Tower Crane Operator vs Mobile Crane Operator?

AspectTower Crane OperatorMobile Crane Operator
CertificationsCrane Operator Certification, OSHA safety trainingCrane Operator Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentFixed on construction sites, high-rise buildingsVarious locations, including construction sites, industrial sites, and events
Industry UsagePrimarily in construction, especially high-rise projectsConstruction, transportation, industrial, and event setups

Both Tower Crane Operators and Mobile Crane Operators require similar certifications and safety training. Tower Crane Operators work mainly on high-rise construction sites with fixed cranes, while Mobile Crane Operators operate versatile cranes that can move around different locations. The choice depends on the project type and work environment.

Are tower crane operators in high demand?

Tower crane operators are in high demand due to ongoing construction projects and infrastructure development. The job requires specialized skills, certifications, and the ability to operate large machinery safely, which contributes to steady employment opportunities in the construction industry.

What are popular job titles related to Tower Crane Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Tower Crane Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tower Crane Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Tower Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Tower Crane Operator jobs in IA?

For Tower Crane Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tower Crane Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,390 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Crane Operator/Loader

Access Dubuque

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Crane Operator/Loader

Russel Metals (USA) Inc.

1 Positions

ID: 87009

Posted On 02/02/2026

Refreshed On 08/07/2026

Job Overview

Summary of Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Operate overhead cranes and forklifts in a safe manner.

• Knowledge of products handled, including color coding and customer specification; ability to read all

measuring devices.

• Unloading and receiving of inbound stock shipments and loading of outbound shipments, including

all paperwork necessary to perform these duties

• Properly loads trucks in a safe manner, including chaining and tarp trailer.

• All other duties as assigned.

Primary Contact

1769707878832

Melissa Lenhart

,

Phone

Phone

Phone

Fax

[email protected]

Email

False

False

False

Job Details

Categories

Shipping/Warehousing

Location

Dubuque, IA

Shift

Flexible

Job Type

Employee

Full/Part

Full Time

Qualifications

Education

High School/GED

Company ID

86808

Job REQ #

# Positions

1

Start Date

20260202

End Date

20261031

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Russel Metals (USA) Inc.

About the Company

Russel Metals is one of the largest metal distribution companies in North America, with a growing focus on value-added processing. It carrier on business in thee segments: metals service centers, energy field stores and streel distributors. Its network of metals services centers carriers an extensive line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications, including carbon hot rolled and cold finished steel, pipe and tubular products, stainless steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous specialty metals. Its energy field stores carry a specialized product line focused on the needs of the energy industry customers. Its steel distributors'' operations act as master distributors selling steel in large volumes to other steel service centers and large equipment manufacturers main on an "as is" basis.