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Union Crane Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Crane Operator

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Monday-Friday, with seasonal overtime and on-call opportunities Type: Full-Time | Union Position ... Maintain equipment readiness and ensure safe, efficient crane operations What Makes This Role Stand ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Crane Operator

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Monday-Friday, with seasonal overtime and on-call opportunities Type: Full-Time | Union Position ... Maintain equipment readiness and ensure safe, efficient crane operations What Makes This Role Stand ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Crane Operator

Kingsport, TN

Monday-Friday, with seasonal overtime and on-call opportunities Type: Full-Time | Union Position ... Maintain equipment readiness and ensure safe, efficient crane operations What Makes This Role Stand ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Crane Operator

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Union pay + comprehensive benefits * Opportunity to work on diverse equipmentrare variety in one ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Crane Operator

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Monday-Friday, with seasonal overtime and on-call opportunities Type: Full-Time | Union Position ... Maintain equipment readiness and ensure safe, efficient crane operations What Makes This Role Stand ...

The Wells Companies, Inc.

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements WHAT YOU'LL DO * Responsible for signaling the crane operator during panel lifting and placement. * Uses rigging ...

Wells

YARD RIGGER

Ashland City, TN

$16 - $20/hr

Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements WHAT YOU'LL DO * Responsible for signaling the crane operator during panel lifting and placement. * Uses rigging ...

The Wells Companies Inc.

YARD RIGGER

Ashland City, TN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements WHAT YOULL DO * Responsible for signaling the crane operator during panel lifting and placement. * Uses rigging ...

Excel Boat Company

CNC Router Operator

Union City, TN · On-site

Dental insurance Excel Boat Company is seeking a CNC Router Operator for its Union City, TN, plant ... Certified in forklift and crane operation. Assist in offloading trucks when metal deliveries occur.

The Wells Companies, Inc.

Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements WHAT YOU'LL ... Operate batching equipment, forklifts, loaders, trucks, and crane-ways * Perform routine ...

Wells

BATCH PLANT OPERATOR

Ashland City, TN · On-site

Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements WHAT YOU'LL ... Operate batching equipment, forklifts, loaders, trucks, and crane-ways * Perform routine ...

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All JobsUnion Crane Operator JobsUnion Crane Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Union Crane Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do union crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for union crane operator in Tennessee is $25.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union crane operator?

A Union Crane Operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating cranes to lift, move, and position materials on construction sites, in manufacturing facilities, or at other industrial locations. They are members of a labor union, which provides job security, benefits, and negotiated wages. Operators must undergo specialized training, obtain certifications, and adhere to safety regulations to ensure efficient and secure operations. Union membership often grants access to apprenticeships and ongoing education to advance skills and career opportunities.

What does a union crane operator do?

A typical day for a Union Crane Operator involves arriving on site early to inspect and prepare their crane, reviewing lift plans, and coordinating with site supervisors, riggers, and ground crew. Throughout the day, operators handle the movement of heavy materials, equipment, or structural components, following strict safety protocols and maintaining constant communication with the team. Union Crane Operators often work in a team-based environment and must be prepared to adapt to shifting priorities or changing site conditions. Most shifts are full-time and may require overtime or weekend hours depending on project timelines and weather. This dynamic role offers hands-on experience, continual learning, and opportunities for advancement within the construction or heavy equipment operation fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union crane operator?

To thrive as a Union Crane Operator, you need excellent spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and a thorough understanding of safety regulations, typically backed by completion of an apprenticeship and possession of NCCCO or similar crane operator certifications. Operators must be skilled in using various types of cranes, understanding load charts, and utilizing communication systems like radios or hand signals. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiently handling complex lifts, and ensuring smooth coordination on busy job sites.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Crane Operator jobs in Tennessee?

For Union Crane Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Union Crane Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Crane Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Union Crane Operator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Union Crane Operator job openings:

Union Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Crane Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,960 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Crane Operator

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Barnhart rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

148th of 178 rated vehicle equipment hire

Job description

Schedule: Monday-Friday, with seasonal overtime and on-call opportunities
Type: Full-Time | Union Position
You'll operate a wide range of cranes and heavy equipment while working alongside an experienced crew that takes pride in doing the job right.
What You'll Do
  • Operate a variety of cranes ranging from 3-ton spider cranes to 450-ton boom trucks
  • Support daily operations including equipment transport, setup, and inspections
  • Perform Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) and follow strict safety protocols
  • Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets
  • Assist with driving semi trucks and moving equipment to job sites
  • Execute primarily day-trade jobs (approx. 70%), with opportunities to support larger project work
  • Maintain equipment readiness and ensure safe, efficient crane operations


What Makes This Role Stand Out
  • Consistent pipeline of work with a strong local presence
  • Union pay + comprehensive benefits
  • Opportunity to work on diverse equipment-rare variety in one role
  • Career stability and long-term growth in a respected company
  • Team-focused environment with a strong safety culture


What You Bring
  • NCCCO Certification (required)
  • CDL Class A (required)
  • Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome)
  • Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and reliability
  • Willingness to support team needs with a "do what it takes" mindset


Note: If you have your NCCCO and CDL-A, we want to hear from you-even if your experience level varies.
Work Environment & Schedule
  • Typical hours: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Monday-Friday)
  • 30-60 hours/week depending on season
  • On-call rotation required
  • Majority of work based locally (~90% in/around the branch)
  • Occasional travel to support customer jobs and projects


Compensation
  • Union pay scale
  • Opportunity for above-scale pay based on experience and qualifications
  • Weekly pay
  • Overtime opportunities based on workload (not guaranteed)


Why Join Us?
If you're looking for more than just a job-this is a chance to build a career with a company that values your skills, invests in safety, and offers long-term stability in a high-demand field.
PURPOSE -Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.
MINDS OVER MATTER -Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.
NETWORK - Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry's strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.
CULTURE -Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the "One TEAM." We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.
EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

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