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Crane Operators Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work outdoors icon that represents where Crane Operators work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Crane Operators. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Crane Operators click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Equipment Operators

Crane Operators

work outdoors

Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects.

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  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; English; Physics

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Crane and hoisting equipment operators are employed by general contractors and subcontractors in the forestry, mining, construction and oil industries, and by crane rental companies. Employment prospects change with seasonal and economic climates. Many crane operators are members of unions.

    Crane and hoisting equipment operators are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 7371: Crane Operators. In Alberta, 78 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

    • Construction.
    • Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction.
    • Manufacturing.
  • DutiesDetails

    In Alberta, there are four types of crane and hoisting equipment operators:

    1. Wellhead Boom Truck operators.
    2. Boom Truck operators.
    3. Tower Crane operators.
    4. Mobile Crane operators (including hydraulic and conventional crane mobile operators).
    1. Wellhead boom truck operators:
      • Set up and operate hydraulic booms.
        • Used for wellhead pumping, wireline, perforating, coil tubing, snubbing.
        • Used for rig-up and rig-out of slant service rig operations.
      • Use pedals and levers to rotate cranes and raise and lower loads.
      • Perform many movements at once.
    2. Boom truck operators:
      • Set up, service and operate hydraulic booms.
      • Use booms mounted on turrets that are affixed to trucks capable of moving heavy loads.
      • Certification is required to operate:
        • Booms that swing, and lift 5-45 tons (4.5 - 40.8 tonnes).
        • Articulating booms without live lines that lift 8-45 tons (7.3-40.8 tonnes).
      • Use pedals and levers to rotate cranes and raise and lower loads.
      • Perform many movements at once.
    3. Tower crane operators:
      • Service and operate tower cranes.
      • Work with lifting equipment that moves, does not move, or climbs;.
      • Work with equipment that has a tall mast or tower and a jib.
      • Often involved in assembling the crane on site.
      • Use pedals and levers to rotate cranes and raise and lower loads.
      • Perform many movements at once.
    4. Mobile crane operators:
      • Service and operate booms mounted on crawlers or wheeled frames .
      • Work with lifting equipment that moves, does not move, or climbs.
      • Work with equipment that has a tall mast or tower and a jib.
      • Certification is required to operate mobile cranes that can lift 15 tons or more (13.6 tonnes).
      • May drive the crane to the job site.
      • May rig the machine up for use.
      • May make machine level and stable.
      • May use blocking and leveling materials.
      • Use pedals and levers to rotate cranes and raise and lower loads.
      • Perform many movements at once.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • No.
    • Outdoors
      • Construction sites.
      • Noisy, dusty conditions.
      • Work throughout the province.
      • Work in all weather conditions.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • May need to work evenings or weekends and/or holidays.
    • May need to work overtime to meet deadlines.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Lift and carry 25 kilograms and heavier.
    • Risk of injury working near power lines.
    • Risk of injury due to crane overload.
    • Risk of injury from falls.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Good co-ordination.
    • Works well with hands.
    • Able to work at heights.
    • Good vision.
    • Able to work as part of a team.
    • Good communication skills.
    • Able to work with ground crews using hand signals and talking to them.
    • Enjoy working alone.
    • Enjoy being part of a team.
    • Enjoy having variety in their work.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 10-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 10-3 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.

    Apprenticeship term:

    Wellhead Boom Truck Operator:

    • 1 year.
    • 100 work hours + 5 days classroom training.

    Boom Truck Operators:

    • 1 year.
    • 1200 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training, OR.
    • 1200 work hours + 30 self-study then 5 weeks classroom training.
    • Certified to operate Wellhead Boom Trucks as well.

    Tower Crane Operator:

    • 2 years.
    • 1st year: 1000 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training.
    • 2nd year: 1000 work hours.

    Mobile Crane Operators:

    • 3 year.
    • 1st year: 1500 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training, OR.
    • 1500 work hours + 60 hours self-study, then 4 weeks classroom training.
    • 2nd year: 1500 work hours.
    • 3rd year: 1500 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training, OR.
    • 1500 work hours + 30 hours self-study, then 5 weeks.
    • Certification to operate Boom Trucks as well.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

    Currently, there is no technical training available for tower crane operators. In lieu of technical training and upon completion of the required on-the-job training and the term of apprenticeship, apprentices may take the first period theory and practical examinations (no fee) and if successful, complete the apprenticeship program.

    Pre-employment programs for prospective apprentices and continuing education programs for journeypersons may be offered on an as needed basis by the institution(s) listed above or other schools.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    • Self-employed with own crane rental business.
    • Management or supervisory positions.
    • If you have supervisory or management experience in this trade, you may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Location in Alberta.

    Future Trends:

    • More than 1,600 Albertans work in this category.
    • Expect below average growth of 1.3% from 2013 to 2017 in Alberta.
    • Forecast 21 new positions each year.
    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson and apprentice wage rates vary. The following are 2009 estimates:

    • Boom truck and wellhead boom truck operator wages range from $16 to $28 an hour plus benefits. Apprentices earn at least 70 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment.
    • Tower crane and mobile crane operator wage rates range from $24 to $38 an hour plus benefits. Apprentices earn at least 70 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of apprenticeship and 85 per cent in the second.
    • Mobile crane operator wage rates range from $24 to $38 an hour plus benefits. Apprentices earn at least 70 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of apprenticeship, 80 per cent in the second and 90 per cent in the third.

    According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Crane Operators occupational group earned on average from $27.46 to $37.52 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $33.92 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails