Good paycheck, competitive perks and bonuses are some of the things you can benefit from being a crane operator, aside from that, there’s a lot of employment opportunities out there.
If you are ready to embark on a new career and being a crane operator is what you decided to be, there are some things you need to do and accomplish. Just like any other profession, it has some prerequisites you have to attain.
This includes taking a crane operator training in Maryland, attaining an NCCCO certification and meeting the requirements stipulated in the COMAR 09.12.26.01 to 09.12.26.13 and 09.12.26.06 as Maryland has adopted its own licensing requirements. We’ve discussed those topics in this guide, see below.
Now, let’s start first by discussing how to become a crane operator.
How to Become a Crane Operator
If you desire to become a crane operator and you don’t know what to do, here, we have prepared the steps you need to do to get you started, see below.
- Decide if this career path is the one you want to take – with dozens of options on your list, how do you choose the career you want to pursue? It all starts by evaluating your skills and interest if those are aligned with the qualifications needed to become a crane operator. If you love working outdoors and around heavy equipment such as cranes, then, being a crane operator could be the job you are longing for.
- Choose the type of crane you want to operate – this will determine what training course you have to take and the certification you need to have. There are many types of cranes; the most common one is the tower crane we see on the construction site. Deciding first what equipment you want to get certification for can help you shorten your journey.
- Enroll in a course offered by a crane training school – we made a list of crane training schools in Maryland, see below. The school will teach you everything you need to know to operate the crane and to prepare you to take the certification exams.
- Complete an apprenticeship training program – the main goal of taking an apprenticeship program is to provide knowledge and practical skills to students who are required to operate a crane safely. Having it completed means you are adequately and properly trained. You can apply to become an apprentice at IUOE Local 77. See here how to apply. It could take about three (3) years to complete such a program. It is an opportunity to make a living while learning the skills.
- Get employment to work as a crane operator – you won’t be having a difficult time getting employed as this trade is continuously in demand. Experienced and trained crane operators are always highly sought after by employers. You could find a job in construction – the industry which is always in the search of qualified individuals. You could also be employed in the forestry, dockyards, manufacturing and ports.
Crane Operator Training Schools in Maryland
An operator specializes in the operation of cranes to lift building materials or other heavy objects. It takes a lot of skills to do the job safely and efficiently. Crane operation is not a type of skill you can easily attain. You have to enroll in formal training offered by a technical school.
If you are looking for one where you can take training from, here are the schools in Maryland where you can enroll at:
- Konecranes Training Institute
(The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute)
692 Maritime Blvd, Linthicum Heights , MD
Phone: (410) 859-5700
(Crane Safety Consultants & Inspections)
733 Crandell Road Suite 1, West River, MD 20778 - Carson Crane, Inc
85 Main Street Reisterstown, MD 21136
Mobile phone: 410-404-3788; Office phone: 410-526-7766 - Crane 1
7 Ann Ave., Baltimore, MD 21221
Telephone: 410-238-7680; Fax: 410-238-7682 - All Purpose Crane Training
Phone: (888) 501-1355; Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Offers open enrollment onsite crane and rigging training programs
Lifting Technology Inc.
Eldersburg, MD 21784
Call: 888-881-3894; Telephone: 410-552-0500; Fax: 410-549-9253; Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - International Union of Operating Engineers Local 77
Maryland Office (Main)
4546 Brittania Way, Suitland, MD 20746
Phone: (301) 899-6900; Fax: (240) 719-2543
Training Center
2114 Fiddler Lane, Accokeek, MD 20607
Phone: (301) 283-3476
Application for the apprenticeship training program
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Crane Training Course?
It takes about 4-8 weeks to complete a training course. But it all depends on the type of crane you want to get training on. The training encompasses both formal training and hands-on demonstration of crane operation.
The course also covers the job safety and hazard analysis, communication, reading load chart, rigging and signal-person fundamentals such as rigging, safety slings types and configurations, use of taglines and other subjects that may be deemed necessary.
You will spend most of your time doing hands-on exercises to make you familiarize yourself with the controls of the equipment and how it functions. The practical training gives you the skills in how to use the crane safely and efficiently.
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The extensive training supplies knowledge and skill to students to prepare for the certification process and help them prepare to pass the tests. The certification you will need to attain is the NCCCO certification. With this certification, you have the best chance to work where OSHA and employers require such certification.
Specific Requirements If You Want to Work in this State
Under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 09.12.27.01 to 09.12.27.04, if you’re going to be a tower crane, you need to have a certificate of competence obtained from a technical school or testing organization recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
While under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 09.12.26.06, crane operators of mobile, tower or derrick, must either have an operator certificate obtained from a technical school or organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or American Nationals Standards Institute (ANSI) or trained and successfully passed a written exam as stipulated under this regulation. This requirement does not apply to operators who will operate crane equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or below.
The one we recommend is to be tested under the certification program of the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). This organization has earned its ANSI accreditation back in 2007 for the mobile, tower, and overhead crane operator certification programs. It is one being widely recognized by employers in any industry.
If you want to take NCCCO certification, see below how.
Taking the NCCCO Certification
With NCCCO certification, you are recognized nationally by any employer. They know that you’ve undergone such testing and successfully passed the rigorous certification process. Having such credentials is crucial when you are searching for a job.
If you have the initial training or you already have the experience and you want to earn NCCCO certification.
Here is what you need to do if you want to take the NCCCO written exam:
Complete the requirements:
- The appropriate application fee - It can be paid with a check, money order, or credit card. If payment is in the form of a check or money order, it should be payable to NCCCO. The fee is enclosed together with the application form.
- The completed test request application form – the details should be complete. If the assessor finds that there is lacking information on the form, the application will be returned to you delaying the process.
- You must attest that you meet the ASME B30 physical requirements - you may be required to undergo a DOT physical and submit the result.
Here’s what you need to do prior to taking the exam:
- Find a location where you want to receive the written test – there is a lot of test locations, find the one nearest to you. See this page to find a location.
- Choose your preferred date when you want to take it – here is a roster of testing schedules.
- Submit your test request application together with the other requirements - here is the page where you can submit those.
- Receive your examinee identification number via email – further details are also indicated on the email to continue the application process.
If you want to take the practical exams, here is what you need to do:
Determine the date of the testing – contact the NCCCO about the dates or you contact one of these examiners/administrators if they accommodate you:
- Robert Bowman
Company: Jarnel Crane Rental, Location: Hagerstown, MD, Phone: 301-733-1150, Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Troy Powell
Company: IUPAT Local 963, Location: Glen Bernie, MD, Phone: 443-410-6757, Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - David Putnam
Company: Allen Myers, Location: Fallston, MD, Phone: 443-506-3499, Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Find an open practical test site – in Maryland, here it is an organization that administer such testing: Jarnel Crane Rental, Location: Hagerstown, MD, Available Cranes: TLL TSS, Contact: Vikki Nelson, Phone: 301-733-1150,
Here are some things you need to remember:
- When attending the practical test, wear proper personal protective equipment as a requirement.
- You must follow the instruction of the administrator/examiner at all times.
- A pre-test briefing will be given to you so that you will have sufficient time to understand the tasks you need to do during the testing.
- Mobile Crane Operator Practical tests are available on 3 types of cranes, namely Lattice Boom Crane, Telescopic Boom Cranes—Fixed Cab and Telescopic Boom Crane—Swing Cab
Salary of Crane Operator in Maryland
According to the October 29, 2021 survey report of Salary.com, the average Crane Operator pay in Maryland is $44,406. Since there’s a deviation in salary, it usually ranges from $39,887 and $54,936.
The pay you could make varies depending on some aspects. The factors that affect your salary are your experience being a crane operator, the skills you have that you can apply for the job, the certifications and licenses you have earned, and the location where you want to work in this state.
It is not too late to start this career. Employment opportunities are widely available. You could work in the construction site, dock or port. There is high demand for this type of job right now and in the coming years as the construction sector is continuously booming and the number of retiring baby boomers is high. You won’t be running out of jobs if you get into this profession.
To Conclude This
If being a crane operator is on top of your list of occupations you want to enter, then, you are on the right track. The pay is great and the job outlook is good as well. Employment opportunity is everywhere. You could easily get a job in construction, there’s a strong demand in this industry.
You just have to invest some money and time in taking the crane operator training in Maryland and apprenticeship program, then you are ready to go to work as a certified crane operator.
Governing Authorities
Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
500 North Calvert Street #401 Baltimore, MD 21202
Phones: 410-767-2173; 410-767-2246
Maryland Division of State Documents
16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone:(410) 974-2486, Fax: 410-280-5647
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
10946 Golden West Drive, Suite 160, Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Phone: (410) 527-4447; Fax: (410) 527-4481
1099 Winterson Road, Suite 140, Linthicum, Maryland
Phone: (410) 865-2055/2056; (410) 865-2068 FAX
Cities and Towns of MD
Cockeysville, Cumberland, Camp Springs, Lake Shore, Rosedale, Oxon Hill, Westminster, Ferndale, Hyattsville, Calverton, Ballenger Creek, Glassmanor, White Oak, Takoma Park, Beltsville, Redland, Seabrook, Parole, Maryland City, Elkridge, Easton, East Riverdale, Clarksburg, Wheaton, Friendship Heights Village, Manchester, Peppermill Village, Seat Pleasant, Centreville, West Ocean City, Capitol Heights, Berlin, Chester, Kingsville, Middletown, Perryville, Sykesville, West Laurel, Denton, Pocomoke City, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Frederick, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Dundalk, Bethesda, Bowie, Towson, Aspen Hill, Glenmont, Rossville, Damascus, North Bethesda, Bel Air South, Potomac, Severn, Catonsville, Hagerstown, Woodlawn Cdp, Annapolis, Clinton, Odenton, Severna Park, Essex, Chillum, Perry Hall, Carney, Crofton, Reisterstown, Middle River, Edgewood, Laurel, Lochearn, South Laurel, Pasadena, Ilchester, Greenbelt, Suitland, Fairland, Fort Washington, North Potomac, Arnold, Landover, North Laurel, Arbutus, Langley Park, Adelphi, Elkton, Hillcrest Heights, Aberdeen, Cloverly, Lake Arbor, Walker Mill, Mitchellville, Accokeek, Ocean Pines, Halfway, Linthicum, Brock Hall, Riverside, Baltimore Highlands, Ocean City, Darnestown, Taneytown, Shady Side, Cheverly, Lutherville, Thurmont, Bowleys Quarters, Stevensville, Hampstead, Glenarden, District Heights, Savage, Brunswick, Walkersville, Spring Ridge, Chesapeake Beach, Hillandale, Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, Marlow Heights, Ashton-Sandy Spring, Naval Academy, Silver Hill, Fairwood, Fruitland, Poolesville, Chestertown, Layhill, Deale, Cresaptown, Hampton, Colesville, Brooklyn Park, Glenn Dale, Havre de Grace, Kettering, Joppatowne, Riviera Beach, New Carrollton, Lexington Park, Cambridge, Overlea, California, Bensville, Travilah, Summerfield, Mays Chapel, Kemp Mill, Forestville, Rosaryville, Annapolis Neck, Olney, Randallstown, Montgomery Village, Owings Mills, Salisbury, College Park, Pikesville, Eldersburg, Parkville, Bel Air North, Milford Mill,