Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace crane and tower operators?AI replacement risk 22% and how the work is changing

United States Logistics Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$68,080
25th–75th pct. $52,600–$83,200
Top pay (est.)
$134,600
Top 10% $103,570
Pay in 5 years
$79,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$93,300est.
$80,200–$108,300
Outlook score
59/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
22%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.8%
3,500 openings / yr

Will AI replace Crane and Tower Operators? AI replacement risk

22%
Low
Ranked #147 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Crane and Tower Operators

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.5
Operations Monitoring
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.3
Transportation
3.4
Public Safety and Security
3.0
Building and Construction
2.9
Engineering and Technology
2.9
Mathematics
2.9
Education and Training
2.9
Physics
2.8

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Far VisionDepth PerceptionControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationReaction TimeRate Control

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
61%
High school diploma
32%
Less than high school
8%

Training before entry

1–3 months
27%
6–12 months
23%
3–6 months
16%
1–2 years
11%
None / short demo
10%
Up to 1 month
7%
2–4 years
5%

Related work experience

2–4 years
21%
None
20%
1–3 months
17%
4–6 years
11%
1–2 years
10%
6–12 months
9%
3–6 months
6%
8–10 years
4%
Over 10 years
1%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.