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What is a boom crane operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a boom crane operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.48 an hour? That's $42,595 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreBoom Crane OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,595

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.54%

Asian 0.71%

Black or African American 11.67%

Hispanic or Latino 15.00%

Unknown 3.65%

White 67.44%

Gender

female 0.00%

male 100.00%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a boom crane operator

  1. Explore boom crane operator education requirements

    Most common boom crane operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    48.1 %

    Bachelor's

    22.2 %

    Diploma

    11.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific boom crane operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hoisting42.11%
    Construction Materials28.63%
    Cranes10.16%
    CDL7.03%
    Safety Procedures3.84%
  3. Complete relevant boom crane operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New boom crane operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a boom crane operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real boom crane operator resumes.
  4. Research boom crane operator duties and responsibilities

    • Coordinate all safety efforts with management to meet or exceed requirements of client specifications and OSHA regulations.
    • Provide safe and efficient transportation for disable Marta customers.
  5. Prepare your boom crane operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your boom crane operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a boom crane operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable boom crane operator resume templates

    Build a professional boom crane operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your boom crane operator resume.
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
    Boom Crane Operator Resume
  6. Apply for boom crane operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a boom crane operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first boom crane operator job

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Average boom crane operator salary

The average boom crane operator salary in the United States is $42,595 per year or $20 per hour. Boom crane operator salaries range between $26,000 and $69,000 per year.

Average boom crane operator salary
$42,595 Yearly
$20.48 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do boom crane operators rate their job?

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Boom crane operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020
Pros

With concentration, using the right lifting material, watching for safe environment while lifting and offloading, having the LMI working etc, you'll have a less accident work delivery.

Cons

Other works going on around lifting and offloading point, etc.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

For is the most easiest way of carrying heavy loads that I like the most.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Kandinsky Benedict Croft Figaro dictionary Cincinnati


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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