How Much Do Crane Operators Make?

[ZomZom]

I work in downtown DC near the old Woodies department store building and there are two large cranes that I was watching just now. They are close enough that I think their booms could collide if they swung together at the wrong time.

This got me thinking about the difficulty of operating these giants. Just how much are these guys paid? And do they have to climb the entire way up to the cab or is there an elevator?

[mhendo]

I don't know the exact answer, especially for the US, but i remember when i was living in Vancouver about ten years ago, and i knew a guy who did construction. He said that the crane operators were the highest-paid guys on site, and that their official income was A Fucking Lot Of Money.

[Phlosphr]

I have a friend who works at a defense plant as a crane operator and he makes nearly $100 an hour.

[trupa]

Originally Posted by mhendo

...their official income was A Fucking Lot Of Money.

Band Name!

This is a cool question. I hope we get answers, and also on how one becomes a crane operator...

[GaryM]

I think you get your start with those machines you feed with quarters and try to pick up the stuffed toys!

[BobT]

The "American Salary and Wages Survey" I have access to gives a much lower figure for "Crane and Tower Operator"

Usually around $15-20/hour.

I would assume that a guy making $100/hour must have some special skills.

Or perhaps the job description encompasses several different aspects of the job.

[spingears]

Originally Posted by trupa

Band Name!
This is a cool question. I hope we get answers, and also on how one becomes a crane operator...

First learn how to operate construction machinery.
Second get a union job as a "rigger and operator."
Third bid for the lush crane operators job against all other contencers.
Fourth be very lucky.

[ccwaterback]

Nationally, the median wage for crane and tower operators is $3,030 per month ($17.47 per hour). Half of all crane and tower operators earn between $2,340 and $3,830 per month ($13.50 and $22.07 per hour).

Wages vary based on the operator's experience. Crane and tower operators who belong to a union generally receive higher wages. Also, pay is usually higher in large urban areas. Seasonal work may reduce overall earnings.

http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100054

[ccwaterback]

Whoops, and this too:

http://www.iseek.org/sv/46001.jsp?id=537021