How to become a Dogger

Slings cranes and winches, directs the movements of loads while ensuring that they do not exceed lifting capacities, and assists in rigging and dismantling cranes and winches.

Main tasks

• Inspects and prepares cranes and winches for operation
• Attaches slings and hooks to loads, ensuring proper placement and secure attachment
• Monitors and controls the movement of loads via communication with crane drivers, ensuring they do not exceed lifting capacities
• Assists in rigging and dismantling cranes and winches
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on cranes and winches
• Keeps records of crane operations, including load weights and movements

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations (TLI30122); Certificate III in Rigging (CPC30720); Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations (TLI40724); Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations (CPC32920)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 7,900 people work in this job group now, and about 8,000 are projected by 2035. (+1%)
• 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

• Construction Rigger
• Steel Fixer
• Structural Steel Erector
• Plumber's Assistant
• Scaffolder
• Asbestos Removalist

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Dogger?

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

Is a Dogger a growing career in Australia?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 7,900 people now and 8,000 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Dogger?

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

Will AI change the work of a Dogger?

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