To become a Crane Operator, you must first receive a high school diploma or equivalent. You will need additional training in order to learn how these machines work and how to operate one safely. Crane Operator training programs are offered by vocational and technical schools, unions, and community colleges. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain experience after these programs so that you are prepared to take the written and practical Crane Operator certification exam, which is required for many jobs.

If you are interested in a job related to Crane Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Crane Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Crane Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Boom Crane Operator
Salary range: $43,500 - $62,500
As a boom crane operator, your responsibilities include operating a boom crane to lift, move, unload, and position cargo and other equipment at construction and industrial sites. You also set up equipment and perform inspections before transporting loads. You may be responsible for repairing the crane and any equipment you use. Depending on where you work, other duties may include driving vehicles with trailers to job sites.
Freelance Mobile Crane Operator
Salary range: $40,000 - $59,000
Freelance Mobile Crane Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Mobile Crane Operator jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $59,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Mobile Crane Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Mobile Crane Operator
Salary range: $40,000 - $59,000
A mobile crane operator is a specialist with the licensure and expertise to run a crane. As a mobile crane operator, your responsibilities revolve around moving incredibly heavy objects safely and efficiently. Positions are commonly available in the construction and manufacturing industries. Many mobile crane operators specialize in operating a specific type of crane, such as a fixed cab, swing cab, lattice boom, or hydraulic boom crane. You must safely drive the crane over potentially rough terrain, communicate with the site crew, and follow all occupational standards for the industry.
Taxi Operator
Salary range: $25,500 - $36,000
Taxi Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Taxi Operator jobs pay between $25,500 (25th percentile) and $36,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Taxi Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Telescopic Boom Crane
Salary range: $43,500 - $62,500
Telescopic Boom Crane is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Telescopic Boom Crane jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $62,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Telescopic Boom Crane job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Commission International Crane Operator
Salary range: $45,000 - $69,000
Commission International Crane Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Commission International Crane Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Commission International Crane Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Apprentice Crane Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $45,500
Apprentice Crane Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Apprentice Crane Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Apprentice Crane Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
No Experience Crane Operator
Salary range: $45,000 - $69,000
No Experience Crane Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for No Experience Crane Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for No Experience Crane Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Nccco Operator
Salary range: $45,000 - $69,000
Nccco Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Nccco Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Nccco Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Truck Crane Operator
Salary range: $47,000 - $49,000
Truck Crane Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Truck Crane Operator jobs pay between $47,000 (25th percentile) and $49,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Truck Crane Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Crane Operator Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Crane Operator Jobs in 2026