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.
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.
Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs as necessary.
Load or unload bundles from trucks or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements and remove and batch packaging tickets.
Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
Inspect crane site conditions to determine ground stability.
| 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% | |
| Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs as necessary. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 5% | |
| Load or unload bundles from trucks or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 10% | |
| Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements and remove and batch packaging tickets. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 3% | |
| Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 4% | |
| Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 4% | |
| Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 3% | |
| Inspect crane site conditions to determine ground stability. | 30Estimated | 39.0% | 5% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
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.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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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
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis