What does a crane operator do?
Crane operators are typically employed by construction companies, engineering and manufacturing businesses, timber yards or civil contracting companies. Their usual workplaces are building sites, factories or shipyards, where they help to dig or remove earth to clear space for new buildings, or transport bulky or heavy materials to workers far above ground level.
Some cranes can be noisy, and ear protection must be worn. A crane operator often stays in the crane cabin for long periods of time, including lunch and break times. Throughout the working day, a crane operator communicates with the other team members using radios or hand signals.
Crane operator skills and qualifications
A crane operator should have the following skills and aptitudes in order to perform their role well:
- Be comfortable working at heights
- Enjoy mechanical and technical activities
- Be able to focus and concentrate for long periods of time
- Have excellent spatial thinking and be able to judge distances
- Be able to follow instructions
- Be happy to work as part of a team
- Be aware of safety aspects
Crane operator experience requirements
A crane operator can undergo vocational training, e.g., through TAFE or a registered training provider, to obtain a certificate in crane operations. An accompanying internship is recommended to get practical experience under an experienced crane operator. Next, a budding crane operator of at least 18 years of age needs to obtain a high-risk work licence, which permits them to perform potentially dangerous tasks like operating a crane.
Crane operator education and training requirements
A crane operator must meet a number of requirements in order to be permitted to operate a crane in Australia. Typically, Year 10 schooling and a traineeship must have been completed, in addition to safety induction training to receive a Construction Induction Card (CIC).
In addition, or as an alternative, to a traineeship, budding crane operators need to complete a Certificate III or IV in Construction Crane Operations or a Certificate III or IV in Mobile Crane Operations.
A high-risk work licence for the appropriate class of crane (e.g., tower crane, slewing mobile crane, bridge and gantry crane, derrick crane, portal boom crane) must also be acquired.
Crane operator salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a crane operator is $39.57 per hour. Although crane operator salaries may vary slightly depending on the location, they are largely similar across all cities and states. However, more experienced crane operators may get paid more than novices.
Job description samples for similar positions
There are some other roles with similar duties to a crane operator. Take a look to see if you need to hire one of these workers in addition to or instead of a crane operator for your site:
Crane operator job description FAQs
Is it dangerous to work with cranes?
Operating cranes can be complex and dangerous. Every year, there are a number of accidents that result in injuries and deaths from work involving cranes. Mobile and tower cranes, in particular, can be very dangerous and lead to severe injuries or death if they fall or experience a mechanical failure.
Adherence to appropriate safety measures and having a safety-conscious approach is therefore indispensable for crane operators. It is also important that a high-risk work licence is held and the crane operator undergoes regular safety training for their particular crane.
What different types of crane are there?
Nowadays, cranes are essential in the construction industry. As new technologies are developed, new types of crane emerge, often geared towards a specific area of use.
The most commonly used cranes in Australia are:
- Tower cranes
- Vehicle-loading cranes
- Slewing mobile cranes
- Bridge and gantry cranes
- Derrick cranes
- Non-slewing mobile cranes
- Portal boom cranes
- Concrete-placing booms
Is operating a crane stressful?
Operating a crane is a high-risk activity that requires constant concentration. Crane operators need to be aware of the risks and challenges posed by the role. A lot of technical skill is required, and crane operators need to be switched on at all times, as their job carries a lot of responsibility. This can make it a stressful but rewarding role.