SOC 53-7021
Crane and Tower Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ59/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ42,000
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$66K
$42K โ $102K
Projected Growth
๐+3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค38/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Crane and Tower Operators face a risk score of 59/100 โ 15 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $66K ($20K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 59/100, Crane and Tower Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 42,000 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency situation response and quick decision-making and manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Crane and Tower Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
AI traffic management and fleet coordination
Drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
๐ป Technology Skills
Industrial control software
Inventory management software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Mathematics
Transportation
English Language
Public Safety and Security
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 73% |
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 71% |
| Ship Engineers | 33 | $101K | 82% |