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Boom Truck Operator, Construction Tradesperson, Conventional Mobile Crane Operator, Equipment Operator, Hydraulic Mobile Crane Operator, Mobile Crane Operator, Tower Crane Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Operators manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate cranes and raise and lower loads. They often perform all or some of these operations simultaneously.
In Alberta, there are 4 types of crane and hoisting equipment operators:
Boom truck operators set up, service and operate hydraulic booms mounted on turrets that are affixed to trucks and are capable of moving heavy loads. Certification is required to operate:
Mobile crane operators service and operate booms mounted on crawlers or wheeled frames as well as travelling, fixed or climbing type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib. Certification is required to operate mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of 15 tons (13.6 tonnes) or more.
Mobile crane operators also may:
Tower crane operators service and operate travelling, fixed, climbing or self-erecting type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib. Tower crane operators are often involved in assembling the crane on site.
Wellhead boom truck operators set up and operate hydraulic booms used for wellhead pumping, wireline, perforating, coil tubing, snubbing, and the rig-up and rig-out of slant service rig operations. Certification is required when operating:
Crane and hoisting equipment operators work outdoors, often in noisy, dusty conditions. Their work sites vary across Alberta and they work in all types of weather. A 40-hour, 5 day work week is normal and overtime is not uncommon to meet construction deadlines. Occupational hazards include injuries resulting from power line contact, crane overload, falls, weather conditions or manual lifting.
Crane and hoisting equipment operators may be required to lift items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating gantry cranes to load and unload ship cargo at port side; locomotive cranes to move objects and materials at railway yards; bridge and overhead cranes to lift, move and place plant machinery and materials; offshore oil-rig cranes to unload and reload supply vessels; and dragline cranes to expose coal seams and ore deposits at open pit mines
Interest in copying information to calculate crane capacities and weights to prepare for rigging and hoisting; and in performing routine maintenance work such as cleaning and lubricating cranes
Interest in performing pre-operational inspections to lift, move and place equipment and materials using cranes mounted on boats and barges
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Crane and hoisting equipment operators need:
They should enjoy working independently when necessary, being part of a team and having variety in their work. They should be comfortable travelling to different locations.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 120 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 16, 2021 and Dec 17, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Operate mobile and tower cranes to lift, move, position or place equipment and materials | 85 |
|---|---|
| Type of Cranes: Hydraulic or telescoping boom | 77 |
| Tasks: Perform routine maintenance work | 73 |
| Attention to detail | 70 |
| Tasks: Clean and lubricate cranes | 69 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 68 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 64 |
| Tasks: Instruct apprentices | 62 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 59 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 58 |
To work in Alberta, a crane and hoisting equipment operator must be ONE of the following:
Journeyperson mobile crane operators are qualified to operate boom trucks as well as mobile cranes. Journeyperson boom truck operators are qualified to operate wellhead boom trucks as well as boom trucks.
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Terms of apprenticeship for the different branches of this trade vary:
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Only mobile crane operator and tower crane operator apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to operate a boom truck, tower crane or mobile crane in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Crane and hoisting equipment operators are employed by general contractors and subcontractors in the forestry, mining, construction and oil industries, and by crane rental companies. Because of the seasonal nature of this profession, especially in the petroleum and forestry industries, employment prospects may drop in the summer months. Employment also depends on the economy. Many crane operators are members of unions.
Experienced crane operators may advance to supervisory positions or set up their own crane rental businesses.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Crane operators
2016 NOC: 7371
77.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson crane and hoisting equipment operator and apprentice wage rates vary.
Boom truck and wellhead boom truck operator wage rates range from $16 to $28 an hour plus benefits. Apprentices earn at least 70% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in their first year (2020 estimates).
Mobile crane operator wage rates range from $24 to $38 an hour plus benefits. Apprentices earn at least 70% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of apprenticeship, 80% in the second and 90% in the third (2020 estimates).
Tower crane operator wage rates range from $24 to $38 an hour plus benefits. Apprentices earn at least 70% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of apprenticeship and 85% in the second (2020 estimates).
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.00 | $42.00 | $31.59 | $30.00 |
| Overall | $27.00 | $46.00 | $36.00 | $34.85 |
| Top | $30.83 | $57.23 | $39.64 | $37.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $69,043 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $65,250 |
| Manufacturing | $66,112 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $84,308 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
