ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Union Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Crane Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Crane Operator who wants steady work, diverse ... Union pay + comprehensive benefits (Local 571) * Opportunity to work on diverse equipmentrare ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Crane Operator

Omaha, NE

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Crane Operator who wants steady work, diverse ... Union pay + comprehensive benefits (Local 571) * Opportunity to work on diverse equipment-rare ...

olive recruiting

Crane Operator

Manassas, VA · On-site

Olive Recruiting is searching for a Crane Operator for our client in the Washington DC metropolitan ... Union pay scale and benefits Responsibilities: * Operates mobile hydraulic cranes (all-terrain ...

Integrity Buyer, LLC.

Overhead Crane Operator

Mogadore, OH

$14.50 - $17/hr

This position is part of a union shop represented by Local Union No. 2L-19 in Ohio. Overhead Crane Cab Operator (2nd Shift) Location: Akron, OH Company: BICO Shift: 2nd Shift (2:00 PM - 10:00 PM ...

Maxim Crane Works LP

Union Crane Mechanic

Jessup, MD · On-site

$27 - $35.75/hr

Fleet vehicles include cranes, crane equipment, boom trucks, trailers, pickup trucks, and semis ... Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings * Fabricates, modifies ...

Reworld

Crane Operator

Spring Hill, FL · On-site

The Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the refuse crane. This ... and/or union contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be ...

Cianbro

Crane Operator - Infrastructure

Norwalk, CT · On-site

Must hold a valid crane operator certification from an accredited organization (NCCCO, NCCER ... veteran status, union affiliation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, sexual ...

Reworld

Crane Operator

Spring Hill, FL · On-site

The Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the refuse crane. This ... and/or union contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be ...

Wells Concrete

YARD CRANE OPERATOR

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

ABOUT THE ROLE The Crane Operator will be responsible for locating and moving production materials ... Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements WHAT YOU'LL ...

Wells

YARD CRANE OPERATOR

Jacksonville, FL

ABOUT THE ROLE The Crane Operator will be responsible for locating and moving production materials ... Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements WHAT YOU'LL ...

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

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 ...

Reworld

Crane Operator

Spring Hill, FL

The Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the refuse crane. This ... and/or union contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be ...

Covanta

Crane Operator

Spring Hill, FL · On-site

The Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the refuse crane. This ... and/or union contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnion Crane Operator Jobs

Union Crane Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do union crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for union 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 does a typical workday look like for a Union Crane Operator on a construction site?

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's the highest paid crane operator?

The highest paid crane operators typically earn over $80,000 annually, with some experienced professionals in specialized environments or with advanced certifications earning over $100,000. Factors influencing pay include location, type of crane operated, years of experience, and union membership.

What is a Union Crane Operator job?

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.

Do crane operators have a union?

Many crane operators are members of unions, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), which negotiates wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union membership can provide job security, training opportunities, and collective bargaining power for crane operators. However, union presence varies by region and employer.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends maintaining a minimum distance of three times the crane's height from power lines, staying at least three meters away from personnel and obstacles, and ensuring a three-meter clearance when lifting loads. This rule helps prevent electrical contact, collisions, and accidents during crane operations, which are critical for crane operators to follow for safe work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Union Crane Operator position, and why are they important?

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.

How much do union crane operators make a year?

Union crane operators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced operators and those working in high-demand regions earning higher wages. Their pay often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and certification in crane operation can impact salary levels.
More about Union Crane Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Union Crane Operator jobs? Cities with the most Union Crane Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs? The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Union Crane Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Union Crane Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Union Crane Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Union Crane Operator jobs are:
Union Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Crane Operator

Crane Operator

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Omaha, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Barnhart rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 146 rated vehicle equipment hire

Job description

Join a well-established, high-performing team in Omaha where safety, teamwork, and long-term careers are the priority. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Crane Operator who wants steady work, diverse equipment experience, and the backing of a strong, reputable organization.

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.

If you have your NCCCO and CDL-A, we want to hear from you - even if your experience level varies.

Location: Omaha, NE
Schedule: MondayFriday, with seasonal overtime and on-call opportunities
Position Type: Full-Time, Union Position (Local 571)

Responsibilities

  • 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 (Local 571)
  • Opportunity to work on diverse equipmentrare variety in one role
  • Career stability and long-term growth in a respected company
  • Team-focused environment with a strong safety culture

Qualifications

  • 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

Work Environment & Schedule

  • Typical hours: 7:00 AM 3:30 PM (MondayFriday)
  • 3060 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 (Local 571)
  • 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 jobthis 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

What Barnhart employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom