Crane and tower operators
SOC Code: 53-7021
Crane and tower operators carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $66,370 and +3.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 42,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 29% AI exposure, Crane and tower operators sits 8 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 26% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Crane and tower operators sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Crane and tower operators has ai exposure of 29%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Crane and tower operators vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Crane and tower operators is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Crane and tower operators (SOC 53-7021) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 42,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $66,370, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Crane and tower operators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 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. Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
- 6. Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary.
- 7. Load or unload bundles from trucks, or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
- 8. Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements, and remove and batch packaging tickets.
- 9. Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
- 10. Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Crane and tower operators?
Crane and tower operators has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Crane and tower operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Crane and tower operators is projected to grow by 3.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 42,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Crane and tower operators?
Key skills for Crane and tower operators include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Crane and tower operators earn?
The median annual wage for Crane and tower operators is $66,370, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Crane and tower operators?
The typical entry-level education for Crane and tower operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Crane and tower operators?
Crane and tower operators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).