how much does a crane operator make? 

Thanks for sharing that's some godd info (good money too) What state are you working in? Union or not? Consider commenting with some info on the how to be a crane operator video to share some wisdom for the future generations.

Thank you my friend I am home based in Texas, but I work all over the world and I truly mean all over the world, wherever the Tower Crane takes me,, my Advice,, if you're young joined the Union it's a good thing, if you are an older operator I would not join the Union because you want every Dime you can get so that you may retire,,,, Oh and by the way by year's end our pay is going up can't find enough tower operators,,,,

@@MrVb66 Hey I was planning on pursuing this trade straight out of high school (I’m currently a senior) and I was curious how long would it take until I could start working ? Of course after I get the certifications needed.

@@dreamyworld4111 The 1st thing I would suggest that you do is watch any in every video about operating tower cranes, the 2nd thing I would suggest you do is to get in with an operator have that person take you up and see if this is something you really want to do, people think about the money but they don't think about the risk, 3rd thing is there's a school for Beginners in Arizona it's expensive but you will get a job out of it start off small parking garage an apartment buildings, and work your way up to high rise,,, right now the going pay depending on where you're at if anywhere from a 140 to a 180000 a year what you do high rises you well above $200,000, good luck please feel free to reach out if you need help

@@MrVb66 Thank you very much for the information, I’ll look more into that school in Arizona .

Thanks bud. I will make so. E more when I'm not so busy getting this rigging company I started off the ground.

Glad it has helped.

Which refineries? Point Comfort?

SHHHEEEEEESSSHH

60 hrs a week will net me $3500. Refineries are miserable.

@@lmaolmao8826 I was going to say of course your check looks amazing when you only have time to sleep and eat between shifts lol I love driving big things but the hours destroy your body quick…

@@ergosumadrieyl2927 there is no such thing as a family life in this line of work. I don't advocate doing it. Literally working our lives away to barely keep our heads above water while making millions for the pos companies that we work for.

I appreciate your input, hopefully it helps someone.

And how about pay a year putting in these hours ?

It varies so widely that it really doesn't apply very many places but it was my most requested video so i figured WTH

Glad everything is going well for you. How did you get started operating?

After I got certified I applied to a few jobs and was hired within a few days. Met a really cool seasoned operator, and he's been being my mentor. Plenty to learn everyday.

@@darthhater7896 that's awesome bro. I'm hearing about more people getting hired that way. My buddy owns a few cranes and hired a guy right out of school like that and the guy seems to be working out so far. Typically I tell people to go through the union apprenticeship program but hey man, if it works it works.

The union apprenticeship in the north west had a long wait. School was the way to go for me. I had a lot of fun, and my instructors were the best. I had no problem passing the NCCCO tests, I was more than prepared. If I'm not running a crane, I'm driving a semi. I have a nice little variety of things to do at work. Plus, my pay rate is the same as if I'm in the crane.

Hey man I’m 17 and honestly interested in becoming a crane operator any tips as far as going about what schools to go to or what experience I should be trying to get at this age?

Thanks for the input. What area are you in for the record?

@@marktarver4218 south Alabama/ north Florida Currently in Panama City area. I know a guy that worked at Publix a few weeks ago bagging groceries. He took the class w me and just got his cert in mail last week. I know it’s a downside not being union but at the same time still get decent pay. Lots of guy don’t have the money to go take these 4 and 6 week courses. Weekend classes are decent for the money. I paid 2500 for mine. Also something to consider some companions out there would rather hire someone with no experience just to train them from the ground up how they want things done. A lot of people are discourages from this career because they don’t think they’ll get a job. Which may be true. But the way the market is right now, lots of places are hiring. All you need is a cert. beyel bros will hire anyone off the street right now.

@@TylerHankss hello, so it only took 6 weeks to get the job and start ?

@@realrareap2420 about 8 weeks to get certified but people with previous construction experience could get certified within. 2 weeks. Jobs are just easy to get right now because nobody wants to work.

I’m not far can you tell me where this job is at?

@@ivanrios2425 its over. There is another job coming up at the end of the year called sun zia, building 2 500 kv lines from albuquerque to phoenix. It is through ibew 611

When I watched the video it sure looked like it.

Get after it. This is a very attainable goal. Follow your heart

I'd love to offer some but I have no idea the type of people companies are willing to hire where you are. In Florida I know sometimes small crane companies will hire someone without experience that has a certification but it may be hard to find someone willing to take a chance on you.

Hey wsup Sergio, I’m in LA. I’m currently a port trucker but looking to get out. How’s you get into the industry, how you get into union? What are some of the downs in the trade? Hope to hear from you soon

@@tricallyourmama Well to become an operator in LA is not easy, so many steps and experience you need before any crane company can touch you. But there’s always ways. Like get your crane certs and of course you got your class A already, as long as you don’t have a bad record. Got to to union hall and put ur name on the out of work list. No guarantees but you never know.

@@Drodpp956alvc tower crane I think he’s talking about, they make much more I believe

Damn that's pretty good

That's a bad year.

Hard to say, depends on who you are as a person and your circumstances in life. I'd spend a good amount of time in prayer on it then follow the Spirit, but that not be where you're at.

A crane operator is horrible on your body. Sitting for 8 top 12 hours, few beeaks If at all pissing in a bottle and shitting in a garbage bag. You'll end up working Every weekend if it's a busy project. You'll make a lot in over time but you'll sacrifice your life. A lineman has a very predictable schedule. You work a lot during storms but it's 40 hrs for the most part.

@@jimmyneutron6127 how is horrible to the body? what's so bad about it?

I’m a groundman right now on a line crew and I’m leaning towards being a union operator seems much better for me than being lineman

@@adrianperez47what don’t you like about being a lineman? Did you go to lineman school? Man lineman make damn good money and are home almost every night. I see hourly rates of 65 to 60 an hour with tons of job postings. I kinda want to get into line work myself. What’s the cons?

There are lots of former military running around operating cranes. It's a good trade to get into

@@marktarver4218 I learned in the Army running a 22-B feeding an O.D. green asphalt plant with a clam in VN and ended up doing it off and on for 50+ years with a drag bucket. All friction jobs. Pays the bills.

Rates vary widely by region, they vary local to local, and even contract to contract within some locals. I'd imagine Colorado is waay different than Florida. Being a union man already I'd figure you would know that. My videos are generally for people who are totally uninformed and I'm just giving them some general info and advice.

Mark Tarver never looked into anything other then drilling until now . looking for the next best thing i guess. sounds like pay scale is similar to what im already making. thanks for the reply

Far as mobile vs towers I believe towers are on our top scale which is around 34 I believe. I'm not operating anymore as I started a rigging company.

@@jessearellano3940 I'd just call the local where you would like to operate and ask them what the scale is for the type of equipment you want to run.

Depends on where you are but I'd try the local union first.

Mark Tarver I’m from Alabama & I’ve been looking at oil rigs & constructions in mostly Louisiana & Texas

@@richiedevontre without experience it's going to be tough to find anything. Most places want 5 years operating experience which is why I tell people an apprenticeship through the union is typically the best route. If you look through the comments other routes have been discussed.

Mark Tarver & How does the apprenticeship work?

@@richiedevontre in Florida it's a 4 year program. You get paid well to learn how to operate cranes. You start out hauling counterweight loads and helping build and maintain and clean cranes. The better you do the more seat time and opportunities to grow you get. Eventually you'll work up to be a big bad operator.

I have no direct information but I seriously doubt it. You will probably have to get certified through one of the accepted programs (usually NCCCO). The good thing is that obviously your experience will be considered by potential employers and they may be willing to pay for it for you. The practical portion should be easy but you'll have to learn our regulations which are probably different which is why I don't think yours will transfer.

I don't really know how to get into operating in the UK, sorry

I didn't use the gibill for my apprenticeship program (I used it at liberty university) so I am not sure if you can do that or not. I am curious if you can or not so if you find out it works let me know. I may make a video on it with your help to assist future soldiers in transition. If you want to get ahold of me about this let me know and I will get you my email.

The VA will use the post 9-11 GI bill for apprenticeships. You will be compensated so that you will always be making what a journeyman makes, right out the gate. So every year you pass your schooling and % increases, they will decrease the monthly gi payment. Plus it’s tax free.

@@seth8982 is every program accredited for all 50 states?

Read through the other comments either here or on my other crane videos, I've already given advice on this a bunch of times.

my advice join the military Civil engineer squadron as. heavy equipment operator get your feet wet with. Hydraulic machinery. Plus the military will give you discipline, Money, GI to pay for all your schooling or training and medical benefits. Its really a good deal. Serve 4 years. During your service you will be sent to crane school, tractor trailer school and more.

Can you give me email id any mobile crane compny i am operator i have valid uae license

​@@MuhammadZubair-ux8oj Sure i can give but i was working at Finland back then is that a problem ? Btw now days im working at harbour whit cranes/materialhandling machines and the working hours are so much better 4 days 12 h shift and 6 days free and salary is much better.

Hey Man Where are you from ? 😀

I am also a crane operator in India

@@kapastusbro plz give me your company Email id i want to applay

Yep, it's no video game.

It's all about skills fast learning with confidence

Running a crane is an easy job. It's boring and catered to the lower functioning people. Anyone that says running a crane is hard also has trouble spelling their own name.

@@lmaolmao8826 k bro

IUOE local 501

@@marktarver4218where can I look to start in New York & Louisiana I'm looking to be a tower crane operator but ill start small first

@@sportshighlights2838 just Google IUOE and the city and state you want to operate in and try to talk to the business manager or apprentice coordinator for the local branch of IUOE that handles that area.

@@marktarver4218 incorrect, 501 is casino OE. Totally different, nothing to do with heavy equipment or cranes. IUOE local 12

Union dues are so little that they have always been inconsequential in my eyes. I guess it depends on where you are. I never really noticed them.

@@marktarver4218 Little? How little and do you still have to pay taxes on it?

@@williamford9564 they take them out of your check and most union guys don’t notice lol. We also pay out of pocket about $350.00 a year but the amount i see come out of my check is about $3,300.00 a year so $3,600.00 dollars out of $150k ain’t bad... IUOE Local 12 SoCal baby!

I'm telling them the truth. Is this how it works in the non-union ranks?

I'm guessing you mean at Kelley Equipment. I don't work there anymore but I never knew anyone named Dean that worked there.

@@marktarver4218 Hey bruv thanks for the content! I have a question about getting started in crane operating. Is getting a CDL class A the first step in the process?

@@soccerking710 id say the first step is making sure that it something you really want. The next step id take is call my local union of Operating Engineers and ask them how to get on as an apprentice. In my experience if you have a cdl they are more likely to be interested immediately.

@@marktarver4218 Will do, appreciate the info.

Look up the city and state you want to work in with IUOE and talk to the local business manager or apprentice coordinator about what they require.

There are trade schools but I've never heard of actual college courses. It's not really a thing you can learn in a classroom setting. There's a piece of it that's class room based but most of it is in the field.

@@marktarver4218 you have any recommendations of schools? I live in VA and would not mind making a career change to something way more interesting.

Look up your local IUOE and see what you have to do to get on as an apprentice. You get paid to learn instead of paying to learn.

@@marktarver4218 thanks, ill look that up and start making some calls.

@@marktuggle5609 let me know what they say.

I wish I could but I don't know anyone in Kentucky. And as much as one might think operating a crane is not laborious, they are usually forgetting about building the crane. The jobs that are just sit and operate are few and far between in my experience and reserved for long time operators who are injured. It'll be very hard to get to that point with an injury like that. I will pray that a good opportunity for gainful employment comes for yall, maybe you could get into it rather than your husband? There are some badass female operators out there.

364 dollar home payment ? That’s nothing get a minimum wage job and you’ll be fine

I do not know if that is a good wage in Russia or not. Either way there are worse types of labor men can be required to do.

Не плохо, в Грузии это $3/ч

@@SCOTT_1911 you are wrong...same in Georgia....5-10 $ /hour

@@cracencrane5741 not for me. Maybe in Batumi or Tbilisi, but not in smaller cities

You have a work visa for the US?

Sweet

Nice. Sometimes that can be deceiving. You guys have state tax? How much does a 1500 square foot 3/2 house cost?

In Florida no state tax and an ugly 3/2 in a bad neighborhood is about 80-100k and a pretty one in a good neighborhood is around 180-300k FYI

@@marktarver4218 I was just saying in case anyone was curious, not bragging bud.

Desh727 Do you know any School where can I get my Crane Operator license in NY or NJ??? I’ll be glad if you help me out

Keep makin your union bigdough bro paytax an bank your hours in bennies an pension,after 35yrs operating you can retire like me with about 3/4 from what u pulled down workin plus SS ,live florida or anywhere you damn well please

Operator base is like 28 or 29. But once you are at 100% your pay depends on the size crane you are running at the time. The lowest is somewhere in the 27-28 range and top scale is somewhere around 32. I have seen operators negotiate higher pays than the contract specifies or perks above the contract if they are skilled in something of particular value but when that happens they are usually on thin ice so to speak.

@@marktarver4218 this is for mobile crane or tower? Lattice or hydro? I'm thinking of joining an operator's union and get cert. I'm a truck driver at the moment. I used to be a brick mason. 100% of scale as a mason was $27hr. 10 years ago. Is anything stopping you from renting a crane and bidding your own jobs? Thanks for sharing.

Hydraulic mobile cranes mostly. We also have crawlers (lattice) at Kelley. There a couple of things stopping me from buying a crane and getting my own jobs if that's what you are asking. I don't know what would be stopping you if that's what you are asking.

@@marktarver4218 I mean. What are some possible pitfalls of renting a crane and being the operator and going to bid work? Besides insurance. You don't need to own the equipment do you? thanks again.

@@ssquigglyboomt.v.594 well first of all if you are leasing you would have to rent your services for a much higher rate than you are leasing the crane for (obviously) which might put you out of contention for many jobs. There are big companies around here that are very competitive and you'd either be competing with them or dealing with trouble customers they don't want. If you don't already know people it may take a good while to build the relationships needed to stay busy enough to make your lease payments let alone any actual profit. Generally it takes companies a couple of years to get any traction at all and even then most burn out cause of mismanagement or poor business practices. If you don't have a well funded and well planned beginning you are almost guaranteed to fail. In my research and planning I found I would need at least 500k in capital to start up an operation with only myself running it and a tiny crane. That would be a scraping by bootstrapping type operation. 1 mil would be more appropriate. That's just a tiny piece of what my research told me. If you want more I'd have to either get with you or maybe do another video. I don't know if I'd necessarily want to give away that kind of information as I worked really hard to plan it out. In any case it is too much to go into typing a reply on my phone.

Would if I could

Oh lawd. Time to stick up for yourself. Unless... Are you only worth $18hr?...

@@marktarver4218 your right twic an ceds on the way because we bust our balls for them an nothing

I wish you luck. Where are you looking to work, in Dubai?

Give me your no

Its a good profession

Ty sir. Is that all benefits or your gross bring home?

@@marktarver4218 yeah I looked up nyc they start off at 200k and the 80 to 90 percent get 500k

It’s impossible to get in nyc I hear

NYC pays the highest in the country 185.00 an hour on tower. Plus OT after 8 double on Saturday Tripple on Sundays

In my company no one is only a rigger. When a topped out operator goes on a job as a rigger he makes rigger scale which is around $28 per hour in my local I believe. So to answer your question it would vary from company to company or union hall to union hall. But generally speaking riggers get paid well.

Through an apprenticeship? Or one of those courses that give you a NCCCO after a few weeks?

@@marktarver4218 the course because it seems like the apprenticeship will make u wait forever and if u leave , u leave with nothing but going through the course I still keep my NCCCO

@@_Eye_Of_Ry those courses are generally for people who are already working at a company with cranes or boom trucks and have been getting some time on the crane. The company then usually pays for you to take the course as you shown promise in operating. I know of no companies that will hire someone with no experience running a crane just because they took a few week course and got their NCCCO. Please report back if that happens what you did to get there to help everyone else on here out.

I start Crane school in 2 weeks as well for the following. Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes (LBC) Lattice Boom Truck Cranes (LBT) Telescopic Boom Cranes-Swing Cab (TLL) Telescopic Boom Cranes-Fixed Cab (TSS)

@@mundane4082 I'd really like to hear how the job search goes after getting certified. Let us know that way we can better understand different Avenue's of approach to becoming an operator.

Ty sir

Maybe so.

Well that's not true

Go Gators!!

Gotts pay attention to what year the video you are watching is made in.

Yes. Well over 40

Gary, he literally answered your question 1 minute into the video... Did you really stop listening and start typing 😂😂😂

Lazy ass