As of June 2026, Crane and Tower Operators has an AI-exposure score of 46/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Crane and Tower Operators

46/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 24% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$68,080. About 3,800 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How this role compares to similar Transportation roles

Crane and Tower Operators (this role)
46
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46
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46
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Data sources, not endorsements: O*NET task data, BLS employment/pay/demand, and Anthropic Economic Index signals.Methodology Data sources
Role snapshot

What this role usually involves

O*NET 29.1 exact occupation

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

Common titles
Crane OperatorMobile Crane OperatorOverhead Crane OperatorScrap Crane OperatorHeavy Equipment OperatorMachine Operator
O*NET job-zone preparation
Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparation Needed Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Broad guidance for this preparation level; exact requirements vary by role and employer.

Skills and knowledge
Operation and ControlCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionSpeaking
Tools and technology
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WindowsCrane operation control softwareInventory tracking software
Work context
Frequent contact with othersFace-to-face discussionsDecision latitudeConsequence of errorTelephone

Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Crane and Tower Operators, SOC 53-7021.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.

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Crane and Tower Operators tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
Augmentable
  • Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
  • Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
5 more augmentable tasks locked in the report.
Durable
  • Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements, and remove and batch packaging tickets.
  • Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
1 more durable task locked in the report.

We analyzed all 11 Crane and Tower Operators tasks — 1 automatable, 7 augmentable and 3 durable. The full task map — every task with exactly what to do about each — is in your Career Report.

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5-10 adjacent roles with salary, demand, and reachability.

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Safer adjacent roles

Hoist and Winch Operators
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$56,450
43
7 more safer roles with salary, demand & a reachability map — in your Career Report.
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.

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