Do You Have What It Takes?

Crane operation is more than a job—it’s a path to confidence, independence, and financial stability. Become a leader on the worksite, the person that calls the shots when it comes to safety and teamwork. Leave your mark on skylines and communities. Build something that matters. 

Successful crane operators and load handlers share a few key qualities that set them apart.

  • Hands-on Learners – You’re curious, quick to pick up new skills, and love working with real equipment.
  • Problem Solvers – You stay calm under pressure and find smart, safe solutions fast.
  • Detail-Oriented – You notice the small things that make the big lifts go right.
  • Team Players – You value trust, communication, and collaboration on every job.
  • Dependable – People count on you to show up and do the job right every time.
  • Motivated to Grow – You see new challenges as steps in the path to a lifelong career

Sound like you?

Get started by with these building blocks for a career in cranes.

A mid adult African-American woman in her 30s wearing a hard hat, safety vest and safety goggles, a dock worker working at a shipping port. A gantry crane is out of focus in the background.

  1. Meet the Basics
    You’ll need to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license,and be physically ready for hands-on outdoor work.
  2. Get Your CDL
    Though not essential, many crane operators start by earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to transport crane equipment. Local CDL schools and some employers offer paid training.
  3. Learn the Trade
    Find a quality crane operator training program, or an entry-level job at a crane company, or union apprenticeship near you. Learn setup, rigging, signaling, safety, and real-world operation. Many training programs offer help with taking and passing required certification exams to help you get a leg up. 
  4. Build Experience
    Start as a rigger, signalperson, or apprentice operator. With every lift, you’ll gain confidence, earn certifications, and open doors to bigger opportunities.Finding a mentor along the way helps, too.

Want to get started on your new journey to an exciting career in the crane industry?
Explore what you can earn, learn, and do by exploring crane careers.

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