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The differences between crane operators and loader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a crane operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a crane operator has an average salary of $54,275, which is higher than the $36,987 average annual salary of a loader operator.
The top three skills for a crane operator include cranes, NCCCO and CDL. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Crane Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $54,275 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $26.09 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 34,918 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.67 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A crane operator's work involves the control of draglines or cranes to lift, move, position or place machinery, equipment, and other large objects at industrial or construction sites, ports, surface mines, railway yards, and other similar locations. Their tasks and duties include conducting crane maintenance such as lubricating and cleaning, inspecting cranes, and assembling tower cranes. Some of them work with all three cranes, namely the boom trucks, mobile cranes, and tower cranes, while others prefer to specialize.
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.
Crane operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Crane Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $54,275 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $83,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Vancouver, WA | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Katerra | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a crane operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Crane Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between crane operators' and loader operators' demographics:
| Crane Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 0.7% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% | Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |