Crane Operator

Eighteen states require a license to work as a crane operator. On average, these laws cost aspiring crane operators $225 in fees and 222 days in experience and require them to pass two exams—the 57th most burdensome requirements of the 102 occupations studied. Because so few states license the occupation, it is only the 75th most widely and onerously licensed.

License requirements vary widely across states. New York has the most burdensome requirements at three years (1,095 days) of experience, two exams and $150 in fees. However, 10 states do not require any experience. Some states have different licenses for operating different types of cranes (which can be measured in terms of hoisting mechanism, weightlifting capability or boom length). In such cases, where license requirements differed, the least burdensome license was used. If license requirements did not differ, the broadest possible license was observed.