Overview
Crane operators operate cranes or draglines to lift, move, position or place machinery, equipment and other large objects at construction or industrial sites, ports, railway yards, surface mines and other similar locations. They are employed by construction, industrial, mining, cargo handling and railway companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate mobile and tower cranes to lift, move, position or place equipment and materials
Perform pre-operational inspection, and calculate crane capacities and weight to prepare for rigging and hoisting
Operate pile driving cranes to drive pilings into earth to provide support for buildings and other structures
Operate cranes equipped with dredging attachments to dredge waterways and other areas
Operate gantry cranes to load and unload ship cargo at port side
Operate locomotive cranes to move objects and materials at railway yards
Operate bridge or overhead cranes to lift, move and place plant machinery and materials
Operate offshore oil rig cranes to unload and reload supply vessels
Operate cranes mounted on boats or barges to lift, move and place equipment and materials
Operate dragline cranes to expose coal seams and ore deposits at open pit mines
May assemble tower cranes on site
Perform routine maintenance work such as cleaning and lubricating cranes.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$53,704
$85,510
$110,537
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
511expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a one- to three-year apprenticeship program or Industry courses in crane operating are usually required.
Mobile crane operator trade certification, for specified types of cranes, is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Northwest Territories.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Crane operators in B.C.
- Crane Operator Certification
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Crane operators in B.C.
- Mobile Crane Operator Red Seal Certification
- Skilled Trades Certification - Mobile Crane Operators
- Tower Crane Operator Red Seal Certification
- Skilled Trades Certification - Tower Crane Operators
Crane Operator Certification
To work as a crane operator of boom trucks, mobile cranes, tower cranes, and self erecting tower cranes in B.C., you must be certified by the British Columbia Association for Crane Safety (BCACS). Eligibility is achieved by completing the necessary apprenticeship program, or through work experience in the trade.
Mobile Crane Operator Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Skilled Trades Certification - Mobile Crane Operators
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a mobile crane operator in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Tower Crane Operator Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Skilled Trades Certification - Tower Crane Operators
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a tower crane operator in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for this career. Please see the BC Crane Safety website for other options.