Industry Spotlight Canada

Crane and Hoist Operator

What does a Crane and Hoist Operator do?

Crane and Hoist Operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects.

- They manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate cranes and raise and lower loads.
- They drive the crane to job sites
- They rig the machine up
- They set up the machine for the lift by making it level and stable.

What kind of person makes a good Crane and Hoist Operator?

Crane and Hoist Operator might be the job for you if you:

- Aren’t afraid of heights
- Have excellent coordination
- Have good vision
- Can work well with others

How do I become a Crane and Hoist Operator?

1. Find a company willing to take you as an apprentice
2. Register with AAIT (Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training)
3. Apprentice for 3 years, which includes 1500 hours of on the job training and 4 weeks of technical training at school in the first year, 1500 hours of on the job training in the second year, and 1500 hours of on the job training and 5 weeks of technical training in the third year.
4. Take the interprovincial Red Seal exam to become a registered Crane and Hoist Operator.
5. Now you can work almost anywhere in Canada!

Where does a Crane and Hoist Operator work?

Crane and Hoist Operators are employed by general contractors and subcontractors in the forestry, mining, construction and oil industries.

How much does a Crane and Hoist Operator make?

On average, Crane and Hoist Operators in Alberta make $33.06 an hour. That’s about $74,800 a year.

Apprentice Crane and Hoist Operators earn at least 70% of the journeyman wage in their first year, 80% in the second and 90% in the third.

Crane and Hoist Operator Case Studies

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