Crane Operators
(NOC 7371)
in All Trades and TransportationCrane operators operate cranes or draglines to lift, move, position or place machinery, equipment and other large objects at construction or industrial sites, ports, railway yards, surface mines and other similar locations. They are employed by construction, industrial, mining, cargo handling and railway companies. Mobile crane operators use mobile cranes to lift, move, and place heavy objects. Hydraulic mobile crane operators also repair, maintain, and move cranes; booms mounted on trucks; wheeled frames or crawlers; and traveling/fixed/climbing hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and jib. Tower crane operators operate any mechanical device or structure that incorporates a power-driven drum with a cable or rope and a vertical mast or tower and stationary or luffing boom.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline significantly over the next few years, which will limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Crane Operators most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 50% of Crane Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $70,411. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$27.45
Median$42.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$22,952
Minimum$60,922
Median$138,668
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Crane operators operate cranes or draglines to lift, move, position or place machinery, equipment and other large objects at construction or industrial sites, ports, railway yards, surface mines and other similar locations. They are employed by construction, industrial, mining, cargo handling and railway companies.
Mobile crane operators use mobile cranes to lift, move, and place heavy objects. Hydraulic mobile crane operators also repair, maintain, and move cranes; booms mounted on trucks; wheeled frames or crawlers; and traveling/fixed/climbing hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and jib. Tower crane operators operate any mechanical device or structure that incorporates a power-driven drum with a cable or rope and a vertical mast or tower and stationary or luffing boom.
Job duties
Crane operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate mobile and tower cranes to lift, move, position or place equipment and materials.
- Perform pre-operational inspection, and calculate crane capacities and weight to prepare for rigging and hoisting.
- Operate pile driving cranes to drive pilings into earth to provide support for buildings and other structures.
- Operate cranes equipped with dredging attachments to dredge waterways and other areas.
- Operate gantry cranes to load and unload ship cargo at port side.
- Operate locomotive cranes to move objects and materials at railway yards.
- Operate bridge or overhead cranes to lift, move and place plant machinery and materials.
- Operate offshore oil rig cranes to unload and reload supply vessels.
- Operate cranes mounted on boats or barges to lift, move and place equipment and materials.
- Operate dragline cranes to expose coal seams and ore deposits at open pit mines.
- May assemble tower cranes on site.
- Perform routine maintenance work such as cleaning and lubricating cranes.
Sample job titles
- boom truck crane operator
- construction crane operator
- crane operator
- hoist operator (except underground mining)
- mobile crane operator
- overhead crane operator
- skip operator
- tower crane operator
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must also be able to work at heights, work with precision and attention to detail, take direction, and carry out instructions given by supervisors.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a one- to three-year apprenticeship program or high school, college or industry courses in crane operating are usually required.
- Mobile crane operator trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Tower crane operator trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Mobile crane operators may require a provincial licence to drive mobile cranes on public roads.
- Internal company certification as a crane operator may be required by some employers.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified mobile crane and mobile crane (hydraulic) operators upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Robotics and computerized controls will increase the skill requirements for crane operators. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Transportation and Warehousing
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
Support for Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
Retail Trade
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
25-34
15-24
55-64
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$66,750 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$55,544 median annual incomeHigh school
$70,214 median annual incomeLess than high school
$39,848 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Mobile crane operation/operator
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to hoist and swing loads via complex rotating machinery that is driver operated. These programs include courses in crane operational characteristics, load and capacity chart usage, emergency control skills, safety, specific types of mobile cranes and loading devices, applicable codes and standards, and applications to particular types of jobs and loads.
Institutions providing this program
Highway #2, Masstown PO Box 848
Truro, NS B2N 5G6
(902) 662-2190
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
296 Grey Mountain Road, PO Box 103
Falmouth, NS B0P 1L0
(902) 798-5070
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.