How to Become a Crane Operator in Georgia (2026)
Georgia employs about 1,370 crane operators earning a median $62,050 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Crane Operator here means completing NCCCO crane operator certification, plus any state or OSHA crane rules that apply. A registered apprenticeship is optional, not the default.
Georgia employs approximately 1,370 crane operators according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $62,050 1. Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 3.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Crane Operator in Georgia, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: employer training, a crane school, or an optional union apprenticeship (find programs)
- Typical timeline: NCCCO crane operator certification, plus any state or OSHA crane rules that apply. A registered apprenticeship is optional, not the default
- Exam: NCCCO Crane Operator Certification
- Median wage (Georgia): $62,050 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Crane Operator in Georgia
How to become a Crane Operator in Georgia? Complete NCCCO crane operator certification, plus any state or OSHA crane rules that apply. A registered apprenticeship is optional, not the default. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish NCCCO crane operator certification, plus any state or OSHA crane rules that apply. A registered apprenticeship is optional, not the default. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in Georgia? Most states do not require a statewide occupational license. Employers typically expect NCCCO Crane Operator Certification. See the licensing section below.
What do crane operators earn in Georgia? The median annual wage for crane operators in Georgia is $62,050 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $41,700 and experienced professionals can earn $76,860 or more 1.
How to Become a Crane Operator in Georgia
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Georgia employers, crane schools, and optional union apprenticeships expect a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete training. Train with an employer, a crane school, or an optional union apprenticeship. IUOE and DAS apprenticeships exist in some areas; they are not the only path and are not required to sit for NCCCO.
- Pass NCCCO written and practical exams. Earn NCCCO certification for the crane type you will operate. NCCCO is the national certification body, not a program accreditor. Confirm current exam rules with NCCCO.
- Apply for any state or city permit. OSHA crane rules and some states or cities add a permit on top of NCCCO. Confirm current local rules with the employer and the jurisdiction; do not treat a contractor license as the operator credential.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Crane Operator License Requirements in Georgia
Most states do not issue a statewide crane-operator occupational license. Employers and OSHA rules typically expect NCCCO crane operator certification (written and practical exams). A registered apprenticeship is optional, not the default. Some states and cities add a separate crane permit. Do not treat a contractor license as the operator credential.
Typical path
Meet basic education rules (high school diploma or GED).
Complete employer, school, or optional apprenticeship training.
Pass NCCCO written and practical exams for your crane type.
Apply for any extra state or city crane permit that applies.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Crane Operator Apprenticeship Information in Georgia
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years.
Contact Information:
- Office: Chatham Apprentice Program - StepUp Savannah
- Address: 428 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401
- Phone: (912) 232-6747
Crane Operator Wages by Metro Area in Georgia
Crane and Tower Operators Wages by Metro Area in Georgia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), crane and tower operators wages in Georgia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | 660 | $62,910 | $65,770 | $42,480 | $81,300 |
| Savannah | 160 | $72,660 | $68,380 | $51,390 | $75,620 |
| Chattanooga | 60 | $45,280 | $54,140 | $38,740 | $77,940 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | 40 | $76,940 | $72,120 | $46,230 | $95,210 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for crane operators in Georgia? Georgia currently employs approximately 1,370 crane operators 1. Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 3.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Georgia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Georgia.
How much do crane operators earn in Georgia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for crane operators in Georgia is $62,050, which is $4,320 below the national median of $66,370 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |