How to become a Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator

Operates 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 and shipyards.

Main tasks

• Operates controls for cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to lift, move and place materials, equipment and people
• Inspects and maintains cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to ensure they are in proper working condition
• Determines the weight and dimensions of loads to be lifted, and selects appropriate equipment and lifting methods
• Positions and secures loads using slings, chains or other lifting devices
• Monitors and adjusts crane movements to ensure safe and efficient operation

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations (CPC32920); Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations (TLI30122); Certificate III in Stevedoring (TLI30219); Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations (TLI40724); Certificate IV in Stevedoring Operations (TLI40421); Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations (RII30820); Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations (RII21222)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $177,372 a year
• About 15,200 people work in this job group now, and about 16,400 are projected by 2035. (+7.8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Engineering Production Worker
• Miner
• Shot Firer
• Wastewater or Water Plant Operator
• Boiler or Engine Operator
• Bulk Materials Handling Plant Operator

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations; Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations.

How much does a Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $177,372 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 15,200 to about 16,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator?

Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations; Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04