The portable tower crane is a type of crane where the entire machine rotates at the top of a vertical mast. The operator sits inside a cabin that travels up and down this mast with the help of a hoist and drum chain. The operator controls the operation of the crane by manipulating levers and handwheels, applying pressure to foot pedals, or operating an electronic console. The operator has to ensure that each load being lifted is correctly positioned on the boom and is ready for lifting off or lowering down to ground level.
The Tower Crane Operator salary is the median annual salary for all Tower Crane Operators across all industries in the United States. In this report, we will study various factors of salary for a Tower Crane Operator in the United States, such as cost-of-living data and wages by state. We will estimate the annual average salaries for this occupation based on data from PayScale.com’s Salary Survey.
What is the expected salary for a Tower Crane Operator? Tower crane operators are relatively well paid. The average annual salary of a tower crane operator is $42,130 per year, or $20.08 per hour.
Salary For Tower Crane Operator Overview
A tower crane operator is responsible for lifting materials and equipment into the air in order to complete a construction project. This can be done either by using a mobile crane (a crane that moves on its own) or by using a fixed tower crane, which is permanently positioned at one location. The tower crane operator controls the movement of the machinery through the use of levers and buttons, operating them from inside of a cab attached to the top of the tower.
The salary for a tower crane operator varies depending on several factors, including location, experience and industry. For example, in New York City it is estimated that a high rise crane operator can earn up to $25/hour. In Florida it may be as low as $12-$15/hr depending on experience level but can increase up to $20/hr after several years working in this position within this particular industry sector.
What Is a Tower Crane Operator?
A tower crane operator, often called either a crane operator or tower operator, uses machines that lift and move materials and machines. Often, they work at construction sites, where they use tower and cable equipment to help build bridges, houses and other structures. Many operators also work at ports, where cranes are used to load and unload goods from cargo ships. In addition to operating their machines, these professionals are also required to keep careful records of the items they move, and to make minor repairs to the equipment when necessary. Tower crane operators may work in the profession after getting experience in related machine operator roles.
Read on to learn what training and certification you may need to land a job as a tower crane operator.
| Training Required | High school diploma and on-the-job training; apprenticeships are available |
| Key Skills | Dexterity, mechanical ability, physical stamina, attention to detail |
| Licensure/Certification | Licensure may be a state requirement; certification is voluntary |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 5% (for all crane and tower operators)* |
| Median Salary (2020) | $59,710 (for all crane and tower operators)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Does a Tower Crane Operator Do?
As a tower crane operator, you can work in the construction or shipping industries. According to the Occupational Information Network, tower crane operators inspect crane mechanisms, unload bundles from trucks, weigh parcels and lubricate lifting accessories (www.onetonline.org). You may also adjust rigging according to load size and shape.
What Kind of Training Is Available?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, material movers like tower crane operators receive most of their training on the job (www.bls.gov). However, formal training opportunities are available through labor organizations such as the International Union of Operating Engineers (www.iuoe.org). Its 3-4 year apprenticeship training programs allow you to operate heavy equipment alongside experienced crane operators in classroom settings, labs, and construction sites.
Some community colleges or technical schools may also offer training courses. Topics of discussion include rigging, crane operations, boom assembly and load capacity. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and safety requirements may also be discussed. Programs can also prepare students for written and practical certification exams.
What About Certification?
According to February 2011 job postings on Monster.com, many employers require applicants to be professionally certified. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers a tower crane operator certification (www.nccco.org). To qualify for the certification, you must be at least 18 years old, be in good health and pass a drug test. You must then pass both the multiple-choice and practical examinations before you can become certified.
Your certification is valid for five years, and you must apply for recertification 12 months prior to its expiration. The recertification requirements include a written exam and proof of compliance with the NCCCO’s ethics and substance abuse policies.
Average Hourly (Median) Wages for Crane Operators in Canada
| Location | Low Wage $ per hr | Average Wage $ per hr | High Wage $ per hr | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary – Alberta*(1) | 20.00 | 38.33 | 48.98 | 2019 |
| Edmonton – Alberta*(1) | 20.00 | 38.33 | 48.98 | 2019 |
| Vancouver / Lower Mainland – British Columbia | 21.78 | 32.00 | 46.81 | 2018 |
| Winnipeg – Manitoba | 20.00 | 30.00 | 47.00 | 2018 |
| Fredericton / Oromocto – New Brunswick(1) | 22.00 | 28.85 | 42.00 | 2018 |
| Halifax – Nova Scotia(3) | 20.19 | 31.25 | 42.50 | 2018 |
| Toronto – Ontario | 14.25 | 29.00 | 43.00 | 2018 |
| Ottawa – Ontario | 20.00 | 30.00 | 43.00 | 2018 |
| Windsor / Sarnia – Ontario(1) | 20.00 | 30.00 | 43.00 | 2018 |
| Kitchener / Waterloo / Barrie – Ontario | 20.00 | 30.00 | 43.00 | 2018 |
| Prince Edward Island(3) | 20.19 | 31.25 | 42.50 | 2018 |
| Montreal – Quebec | 19.85 | 30.00 | 42.00 | 2018 |
| Saskatoon / Biggar – Saskatchewan | 25.00 | 34.72 | 42.00 | 2018 |
