Crane and Tower Operators
Explore safer careers (5)
Lower estimated automation risk
Why it fits
Fits operators with lift-safety expertise using hazard reviews, training, inspections, and incident documentation.
Why it fits
Uses machinery inspection, mechanical awareness, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment safety.
Why it fits
Fits operators moving into inspection, troubleshooting, hydraulics, cables, maintenance records, and equipment repair.
Why it fits
Uses lift planning, operator coaching, schedules, safety checks, site coordination, and incident prevention.
Why it fits
Uses load weights, balance, slings, signaling, lift plans, inspection, and safe material movement.
Occupation snapshot
What does this snowflake show?
What's this?
We rate jobs using four factors. These are:
- Chance of being automated
- Job growth
- Wages
- Volume of available positions
These are some key things to think about when job hunting.
Risk & user votes
Calculated automation risk
High Risk (61-80%): This occupation shows a significant risk of end-to-end replacement by automation. Many core parts of the role may be structured, repeatable, software-driven, or physically predictable enough for AI, machines, or robotic systems to take over. If you work in this area, it may be worth exploring safer related careers or moving towards more human-centred responsibilities.
More information on what this score is, and how it is calculated is available here.
Human strengths important in this job
These are human abilities and work contexts that are important in this occupation. They may help explain why parts of the role are harder to replace end-to-end, but they are not the only inputs into the automation score.
Thinking creatively
Quite importantWhy this matters
Decision-making and problem solving
Quite importantWhy this matters
Coordinating others’ work
Quite importantWhy this matters
What users think
Based on 74 votes
Our visitors have voted they are unsure if this occupation will be automated. However, the automation risk level we have generated suggests a much higher chance of automation: 62% chance of automation.
What do you think the risk of automation is?
What is the likelihood that Crane and Tower Operators will be replaced by robots or artificial intelligence within the next 20 years?
Sentiment
Based on user votes over time
View sentiment trend
How opinions have changed over time
Pay & outlook
Wages
In 2024, the median annual wage for Crane and Tower Operators was $66,370 ($32 per hour).
The median annual wage for Crane and Tower Operators was 34.1% higher than the national median annual wage, which stood at $49,500.
View wage trend
Wages over time
Growth
The number of 'Crane and Tower Operators' job openings is expected to rise 3.0% by 2034
View employment trend
Total employment, and estimated job openings
Updated projections are due 09-2025.
Volume
As of 2024 there were 42,000 people employed as 'Crane and Tower Operators' within the United States.
This represents around < 0.001% of the employed workforce across the country
Put another way, around 1 in 3 thousand people are employed as 'Crane and Tower Operators'.
People also viewed
Job description
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
O*NET-SOC code: 53-7021.00
What people are saying (6)
Its cheaper to keep the human for insurance risk.
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