Crane and Tower Operators
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
AI Impact Summary
Crane and Tower Operators faces low AI displacement risk with a score of 24/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 16% of all analyzed occupations. Of 12 analyzed tasks, 4 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Limited protective factors mean this occupation has few buffers against AI automation.
This is a general assessment. to get a score adjusted for your experience, skills, and work environment.
How AI Impacts Each Task
12 tasks analyzed
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.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 8% | |
| Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 42% | |
| Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 6% | |
| Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 5% | |
| Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 5% |
Skill Impact Analysis
6
AI-Vulnerable
11
AI-Resistant
AI-Vulnerable
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
PAIDSee how Crane and Tower Operators's risk score has changed over 2 scoring runs.
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Education & Training
PAIDEducation levels, experience requirements, and training data for this occupation.
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis