How Much Money Can A Crane Operator Earn?
There are many jobs out there. However, it is impossible for us to know exactly how many. Therefore, there are jobs that people will be surprised to hear exist. Although this article is not about an obscure job per-say, we’re going to analyze one that I feel is overlooked. The job we’re going to talk about is a crane operator. As you might have already guessed this is a trade. However, is it lucrative? This is the question that we’re going to answer today. Furthermore, we will take a look at how you can go about becoming a crane operator. Now that we introduced the foundation of the article, we will first take a look at what crane operators are and their responsibilities.
What Are Crane Operators?
Crane operators do exactly what their job implies. It’s a job that requires a lot of mental fortitude. However, it goes without saying that you must not have a fear of heights. This is because you’ll be required to climb the cranes and sit in the booth for an extended period of time.
Above are a few of the responsibilities you’ll have as a crane operator, depending on the path you take. Of course, you will most likely have more responsibilities. However, the picture above will give you a good idea of what’s to come.
As you may have guessed, this can be quite a dangerous job. Furthermore, it is a very niche occupation. This means that you can expect that they earn more than the average Canadian. However, we’ll take a look into their earnings and see how much they make on average. Will it live up to the expectation of earning more than the average Canadian? Let’s find out.
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How To Become A Crane Operator
Much like other trades, there is a multitude of steps that you can take in order to become a crane operator. However, we will go over the most popular steps. The path that you choose is up to you. However, going this route will ensure that you increase your knowledge and become competent at the job. Furthermore, the path that we will explain will not only take less time to acquire than getting your average university degree but it will cost less as well. This is great news for someone who’s finishing high school or looking to switch career paths.
Although it is possible to switch career paths to trade, you will have a more difficult time. This is due to the fact that trade jobs can be physically demanding and require a lot of experience. However, if you’re dedicated, you’ll find a way to make it work and eventually transition into your new career.
Trade School
For most, when they finish university or want to go into skilled labor, they look into trade schools. Trade schools are an excellent way to gain knowledge and prepare yourself for the workforce. Trade schools mix hands-on and theoretical learning. Therefore, you’ll be prepared for many common problems that’ll occur when you’re on the job site. However, as most of you will probably come to find out (if you haven’t already), school and training do not prepare you for absolutely everything. However, it lays down the proper foundation.
As you can see, trade school only lasts, on average, two years. However, this number can vary. The factors depend on location, trade, school, living, and if they’re a private trade school. However, if tuition does end up costing more than you can afford, there is always financial aid available. This can be offered through the school, banks, or even OSAP.
Apprenticeship
After you’ve completed trade school, your next step is to find an apprenticeship. The purpose of an apprenticeship is for you to use what you’ve learned and put it to the test. As an apprentice, you’ll be slowly learning as your progress through your tenure. Apprenticeships can last up a year (or more). Therefore, once you’ve been there for a while, you’ll most likely be fully equipped to handle the job. The best part is that you’re being paid to learn.
As you build your knowledge, your performance goes under review and the employee can make the decision whether they want to hire you after your apprenticeship is done. This is the goal for many. However, it is completely possible to receive a notice of termination at the end of your contract. The way to get a favorable outcome is to make sure that you’re always putting your best foot forward.
Be punctual, courteous, try your hardest to do the best possible job, and make fewer mistakes. However, if you do make a mistake it is vital that you acknowledge it. The people you’ll be working with will be seasoned professionals. Therefore, their margin for error is much smaller than yours. However, that does not mean that you’ll always be at fault. Assess the situation and react accordingly.
How Much Money Can Crane Operators Make?
Now, onto how much money crane operators can make. The numbers can vary. Therefore, you can earn more or less than what’s stated in this article. As it is a trade that’ll take you away from home and quite dangerous. Therefore, the earnings may fluctuate. Crane operators usually work on an hourly basis. This is advantageous because you may find yourself working overtime in many cases. However, the overtime is what will make those paychecks skyrocket. It’s true that you’ll get taxed more. However, the extra time and a half pay on top of any bonuses will be well worth it.
Above is the average salary submitted by nearly 2,000 individuals. However, the salary here is in USD. Therefore, the amount you’re seeing above is approximately $90,000. Well over the national earnings average of Canadians. However, these salaries are submitted from individuals within the United States. Therefore, Canadians may earn more or less.
Here is a salary that I’ve pulled from a Canadian website. As you can see, the average and maximum earnings are considerably lower. However, the survey pool is significantly smaller. Therefore, there is a good chance that you’ll be earning more than the median income. However, this amount of money can only come with experience and finding a company that offers higher pay. Companies undercut their employees all the time and try to pay less than their value. Finding which companies do these and evaluating your value is a necessary skill.
To Conclude
Going into a trade is a worthy investment. They’re likely in demand, takes less time than a university degree, and are inexpensive in comparison. However, trade jobs are not for everyone. They can require long hours, far travel, and be extremely taxing on your body. However, the money you make can outweigh all the possible negatives.
If you’re thinking about going into a trade, lookup trade schools near you and sign up for information sessions. These sessions will give you a comprehensive guide on what you’ll be learning at the course. Furthermore, this is where you can get any questions answered such as the longevity of the course and if financial aid is available.
Shameed is just a man on a mission to help those around him gain financial success. Obsessed with writing about all things finance, this GTA native is constantly learning and sharing his experiences with others.
