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Trades & Construction

How to become a Crane Operator

From heavy equipment operator: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
1–3 years
Typical pay
$58k–$92k
Starting from
Heavy equipment operator

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from heavy equipment operator and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

See crane operator jobs open now

The route

  1. Work the ground first

    Rigging and signalling. Nobody hands a new hire a crane, and nor should they.

    Course that covers thisHeavy Equipment Operator CertificationUdemy · around $19.99

  2. Get qualified as a rigger and signal person

    Required on most sites, and the fastest way to be useful around a lift.

    NCCCO Rigger / Signalperson

  3. Train on a specific crane type

    Mobile, tower and lattice are separate certifications with separate seat time.

  4. Certify with NCCCO

    Written plus practical per crane type. Federally required for most crane work.

    NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator

  5. Build hours on bigger iron

    Pay tracks capacity and complexity — tower and crawler work sits at the top.

  6. Destination

    Crane Operator

    Browse jobs now

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