O*NET-SOC 53-7021.00

Crane and Tower Operators

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 3 – Medium preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresPrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Operation and Control2.B.3.h3.8807/2015
Operations Monitoring2.B.3.g3.7507/2015
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.2507/2015
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.1207/2015
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.1207/2015
Judgment and Decision Making2.B.4.e3.007/2015

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Control Precision1.A.2.b.14.1207/2015
Multilimb Coordination1.A.2.b.24.007/2015
Depth Perception1.A.4.a.63.8807/2015
Far Vision1.A.4.a.23.8807/2015
Rate Control1.A.2.b.43.7507/2015
Reaction Time1.A.2.c.13.7507/2015

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.Core10707/2015
Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.Core10707/2015
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.Core10707/2015
Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.Core10707/2015
Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.Core10507/2015

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Realistic7.011/2023
Conventional3.9511/2023
Investigative2.2211/2023
Enterprising1.3111/2023
Social1.211/2023
Artistic1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 3

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.