The Average Crane Operator Wages?

There is a high demand for crane operators in the construction industry. Crane operators must undergo extensive training to safely operate these large pieces of machinery. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2014, there were 44,540 people employed as crane and tower operators in the United States. The average hourly crane operator wages are $25.75 per hour, which comes out to $53,500 annually. According to the study, other construction equipment operators average $48,020 per year, or $23.09 an hour. To fill any of these positions, you will need to undergo specialized training. In some states, crane operators must have OSHA certification as well.

The Sky is the Limit

When it comes to operating cranes, the sky is the limit and that is in more than one way. While cranes are towering over buildings, many crane operators have salaries that tower over the salaries of their fellow construction workers. An article in the Wall Street Journal reported that crane operators in New York sometimes make $500,000 annually when pay, benefits, and overtime are figured in. That is a half million dollars every year for working in the construction industry and operating equipment. The Real Estate Board of New York, which represents the construction industry, reported that those employees earning the highest salaries are union members, and some of them are relief crane operators, which are required by the union contract for specific projects.

What Future Do Crane Operator Wages Hold?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several states that require more crane operators. Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Maine, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, and Oregon have the highest concentration of jobs for crane and tower operators. Arizona has the lowest need for these workers. Crane operators are paid the most in New York, New Hampshire, Alaska, Hawaii, and New Jersey. When it comes to future job openings, the demand for crane operators will stay steady. With an increase in construction projects, the need for crane operators will climb. The retirement rate for crane operators is expected to be higher than average over the next few years, so the high number of retiring workers will contribute to the number of job openings that are available. Therefore, the number of job openings will be greater than the number of those seeking jobs in the field.

Get the Proper Training

To become a crane operator, training is needed. ATS offers mobile crane training. ATS offers a variety of programs to train crane operators, including programs to prepare for NCCCO Mobile Crane Certification. Some of the different crane programs include:

• Large Telescopic Boom Cranes
• Small Telescopic Boom Cranes
• Lattice Boom Cranes
• Articulated Cranes
• Tower Cranes
• Digger Derricks

To learn more, call (800) 383-7364 today.

Heavy equipment operators enjoy high job satisfaction across the board. One reason for that could be the excellent pay scale. Beginning operators make above minimum wage in most places, and the median income for a heavy equipment operator is $18.00 an hour. Of course, there are varying factors that influence how much heavy equipment operators are paid on the job. These factors include:

• Location
• Experience
• Employer
• Skill level

Just to name a few.

As heavy equipment operators gain new skills and experience, they make more money. It’s not unheard of for an experienced operator to earn up to $28 an hour. And if the operator is trained as a mobile crane operator, then the pay could be even higher. Add to that a Class-A CDL certification, rigger/signalperson training, and hazardous materials handling, and you’ve got a pretty good career in the works.

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator

Salaries are also influenced by location. If you are in Denver, for instance, you could earn 12 percent more than heavy equipment operators in other cities. Residents of Seattle could earn 25 percent more. Las Vegas heavy equipment operators earn on average 23 percent more than heavy equipment operators elsewhere. If you live in Charleston, you’ll likely earn less.

Even still, heavy equipment operators enjoy a lifetime of job satisfaction, and it’s fairly easy to get started. Your first step is to enroll in heavy equipment operator training. When you do, you’ll be paired up with a career counselor to help you develop job search and networking skills as you train for your career. When you graduate, you’ll have a lifetime membership to a job search board. Your heavy equipment operator career is waiting for you right around the corner.

Who doesn’t want to increase their income and make more money? It’s the American dream in action on the job site. You apply for a job, get hired, and negotiate your salary. In time, you should see your income go up. But there’s more than one way to skin that cat.

Here are 4 ways to ensure your income from operating heavy equipment goes up, not down:

1. Get promoted – The most obvious way to see your income go up as a heavy equipment operator is to get a promotion. Once you enter management, you’ll get a substantial raise and likely an increase in benefits, too. Get promoted into a supervisory role as soon as you can.
2. Establish seniority – Another way to ensure your income goes up is to stay employed with the same employer for a while. Longevity produces cost-of-living income increases. Plus, many employers reward excellent employees with pay raises, safety bonuses, and other monetary perks.
3. Multiple certifications – You can increase your income just by obtaining additional certifications. Get your CDL, mobile crane operators certification, or riggers certification and you’ll instantly be in more demand. You can then ask for more money for your skills.
4. Freelance – You’ll make a lot more money if you work for yourself. If you can afford to buy your own equipment, you can hire yourself as a freelance heavy equipment operator. This is the best way to earn top dollar, but you will be responsible for your own insurance, marketing, and ongoing training.

What ways can you think of to increase your income as a heavy equipment operator?