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TransportationTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Crane and Tower Operator

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Annual openings

57

Median wage

$77,120

Typical education

Additional post-secondary training or an Associate's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Additional post-secondary training or an Associate's degree

Credential requirement

Completing a training program is expected by many employers.

Work experience

Extensive on-the-job training and experience is expected.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Construction

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
  2. Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
  3. Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
  4. Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
  5. Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary.
  6. Load or unload bundles from trucks, or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
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