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Career pathway

Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators

ANZSCO 7121

Employed

20,200

Part-time share

5%

Female share

8%

Median weekly earnings

$3,411

Median age

46 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators operate stationary and mobile cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to lift, move and place materials, equipment and people in areas such as building sites, factories, mines, sawmills, wharves and shipyards.

What they typically do

  • Testing the operation of plant before use to ensure safety
  • Operating controls to rotate cranes, move cranes on fixed rails, raise and lower jibs and booms, and raise, lower and move hooks and objects
  • Working in conjunction with construction riggers and crane chasers to position hooks and raise, move and place loads
  • Controlling the movement of loads, and monitoring speed, acceleration and braking distances directly and by signalling to other operators
  • Monitoring plant operation, instruments and gauges to detect malfunctions and problems
  • Lubricating ropes and winches on cranes and replacing worn cables
  • May operate cranes fitted with attachments for purposes such as demolition and pile driving
  • May operate overhead cranes using hand controls suspended by cables from cranes

States and territories

Share of workers by location

QLD
29.1%
NSW
25.2%
VIC
19.8%
WA
15.6%
SA
7%
TAS
1.8%
NT
0.8%
ACT
0.6%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators.

  • Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations

    TLI30122 · AQF 3 · 11 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations

    CPC32920 · AQF 3 · 10 providers

    View qualification
  • Course in Licensing for Non-Slewing Telehandler Operations with a Rated Capacity Over 3 Tonnes

    11249NAT · 15 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations

    TLI40724 · AQF 4 · 10 providers

    View qualification