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For Educators: Military Resources

Crane and Tower Operators

Median Salary
64,690
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

92%

Self-employed

4%

State and local government

2%

Private not for profit

1%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 85,500 openings for material moving machine operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$30,160

10%

$64,690

Median

$113,500

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    60%

  • High school

    31%

  • Less than high school

    7%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Transportation
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Building and Construction
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.