Crane and Tower Operators
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Crane and Tower Operators to increase by 3.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 42,900 to 44,500 jobs. Its estimate of 3,500 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($68,080), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (Less than 5 years) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
42,900
Projected employment (2034)
44,500
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
3,500
Pay & Preparation
$68,080
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.88/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Active Listening (3.12/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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