How to Become a Crane Operator in Illinois

Andre L. McCain

Anyone who is interested in becoming a crane operator in Illinois will need to obtain the proper certification. There are two types of certification available, and the one you will need depends on the type of crane you will be operating. If you plan on operating a tower crane, you will need to obtain a Class A license, while those who wish to operate a mobile crane will need to get a Class B license.

The process for obtaining each of these licenses is similar, but there are some slight differences that prospective students should be aware of.

  • Research what type of crane operator license is required in Illinois
  • Complete the necessary education and training requirements
  • Submit an application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
  • Pay the required fees associated with obtaining a crane operator license in Illinois
  • Take and pass the IDFPR administered written examination for crane operators seeking licensure in Illinois

How to be a crane operator?

Crane Operator Salary

As of May 2018, the median annual salary for crane operators was $56,690. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $89,200.

How to Become a Crane Operator in Illinois

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How Much Does a Crane Operator Make in Illinois?

In Illinois, the average salary for a crane operator is $44,290 per year. The salary range for crane operators in Illinois varies from $33,210 to $57,560 per year. The median wage for all workers in Illinois is $50,320 per year.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Crane Operator?

In order to operate a crane, you will need to obtain a license from the Department of Buildings. The operator must also have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old. There are four types of licenses that an operator can possess:

Type 1 – Allows the operator to drive any size crane on any job site.Type 2 – Operator is restricted to cranes with a maximum capacity of 125 tons on non-construction sites only.Type 3 – This type limits the operator to driving only crawler or wheel-mounted cranes with a derrick boom or jib length of 200 feet or less and a lifting capacity of 8,000 pounds or less on construction sites only.

Operators who wish to drive larger cranes must first obtain a Type 4 license.To become licensed, potential operators must pass both written and practical exams administered by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

How Long Does It Take to Learn to Operate a Crane?

It takes between four and eight weeks to train to operate a crane, depending on the type of crane. The training includes both classroom instruction and practical experience operating the crane.

Which State Pays Crane Operators the Most?

There are many factors to consider when determining which state pays crane operators the most. Some of these include the cost of living in the state, the availability of jobs, and the average salary for crane operators.According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest concentrations of jobs for crane operators as of May 2019 were Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Louisiana.

The states with the highest average salaries for crane operators were Hawaii ($78,490), District of Columbia ($76,920), Massachusetts ($75,470), Alaska ($74,280), and New Jersey ($72,070).When considering all factors, it is difficult to say definitively which state pays crane operators the most. However, based on available data it appears that crane operators in Hawaii earn significantly more than those in any other state.

Conclusion

In order to become a crane operator in the state of Illinois, there are several steps that must be followed. First, one must obtain a commercial driver’s license with a Class A or B designation. Next, pass an OSHA-approved crane operator certification program.

Finally, submit an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission for a Crane Operator License. Upon meeting these requirements and receiving licensure, individuals will be able to legally operate cranes in the state of Illinois.

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