# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 53-7021.00
- **Summary:** Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

## Aliases

- Crane Operator
- Mobile Crane Operator
- Overhead Crane Operator
- Scrap Crane Operator
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Machine Operator
- Port Crane Operator
- Winchman
- Woodyard Crane Operator
- Acid Crane Operator
- Boom Cat Operator
- Boom Crane Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Load or unload bundles from trucks, or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements, and remove and batch packaging tickets. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Inspect crane site conditions to determine ground stability. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Weigh materials to ensure compliance with specifications. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Verify information or specifications. | 4.A.2.a.2.a |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Clean machinery or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition. | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Direct material handling or moving activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Load shipments, belongings, or materials. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Secure cargo. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Inspect work to ensure standards are met. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Control Precision | ability | 4.12 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 4 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.88 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.75 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.62 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.62 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.55 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.5 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.5 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.5 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.38 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.25 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.12 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.12 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.12 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3 |
| Spatial Orientation | ability | 3 |
| Time Sharing | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Glare Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 2.93 |
| English Language | knowledge | 2.91 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Windows | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software | yes | no |
| Crane operation control software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Inventory tracking software | Inventory management software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.95 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.73 |
| Contact With Others | 4.55 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.54 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.54 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.43 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.36 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.26 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.22 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 4.2 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.17 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.99 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.99 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.97 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.83 |
| Time Pressure | 3.8 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 3.79 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 3.77 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.77 |
| Exposed to High Places | 3.74 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.71 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.61 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.61 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.38 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.37 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.36 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.32 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 3.19 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.07 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.96 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.92 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.82 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 2.78 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 2.67 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.64 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.64 |
| E-Mail | 2.61 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.6 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 3
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- **Experience:** Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- **Svp Range:** (6.0 to < 7.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 60.63 |
| High School Diploma | 31.53 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 7.84 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 6.06 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.2 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.99 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.94 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.62 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.61 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.31 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.29 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.22 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.61 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.57 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.56 |
| Self-Control | work_style | 1.53 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.3 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Short |
| 53-7051.00 | role-53-7051-00 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | Primary-Short |
| 49-3042.00 | role-49-3042-00 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | Primary-Short |
| 47-5022.00 | role-47-5022-00 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | Primary-Short |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 49-9096.00 | role-49-9096-00 | Riggers | Primary-Long |
| 47-5044.00 | role-47-5044-00 | Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | Primary-Long |
| 47-2072.00 | role-47-2072-00 | Pile Driver Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5041.00 | role-47-5041-00 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7121.00 | role-53-7121-00 | Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | Primary-Long |
| 53-7011.00 | role-53-7011-00 | Conveyor Operators and Tenders | Supplemental |
| 47-2221.00 | role-47-2221-00 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |
| Construction | construction |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 66370
- **Mean Wage:** 71560
- **Pct10Wage:** 41670
- **Pct25Wage:** 50970
- **Pct75Wage:** 81630
- **Pct90Wage:** 102400
- **Employment:** 42000
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 17600 | 78090 | 7.96 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 9140 | 50930 | 2.63 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 5380 | 64250 | 2.67 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 4270 | 46330 | 2.6 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 1520 | 53010 | 0.62 |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector | 1180 | 83670 | 1.83 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 1120 | 77110 | 7.17 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 600 | 41170 | 0.83 |
| 238290 | 238290 | Other Building Equipment Contractors | National industry | 580 | 86270 | 13.87 |
| 238160 | 238160 | Roofing Contractors | National industry | 350 | 64980 | 5.17 |
| 561730 | 561730 | Landscaping Services | National industry | 340 | 62400 | 1.36 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 270 | 71500 | 0.22 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 238290 | 238290 | Other Building Equipment Contractors | National industry | 580 | 13.87 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 17600 | 7.96 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 1120 | 7.17 |
| 238160 | 238160 | Roofing Contractors | National industry | 350 | 5.17 |
| 238110 | 238110 | Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors | National industry | 200 | 2.84 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 5380 | 2.67 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 9140 | 2.63 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 4270 | 2.6 |
- **Count:** 21

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.9 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.030619 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.0267313 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.351634 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 22
- **Percentile:** 20
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 16 | felten_aioe |
| 30 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 19 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.030619 | 16 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.2631578947368421 | 30 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.07141351724899542 | 19 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.9
- **Percentile:** 78
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.10526315789473684
- **Beta:** 0.18421052631578946
- **Gamma:** 0.2631578947368421

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 3
- **Growth Percentile:** 51
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 3.8
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 41
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 42.3
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 43.5

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 11
- **Skills:** 35
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 6
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 9c985db350eb276d