Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$178,600
Full-time annual
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Operates stationary and mobile cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to lift, move and place materials, equipment and people in areas such as building sites, factories, mines, sawmills and shipyards.
Specialisations
Skills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Operates controls for cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to lift, move and place materials, equipment and people
- Inspects and maintains cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to ensure they are in proper working condition
- Determines the weight and dimensions of loads to be lifted, and selects appropriate equipment and lifting methods
- Positions and secures loads using slings, chains or other lifting devices
- Monitors and adjusts crane movements to ensure safe and efficient operation
Credentials & Pathway
OSCA skill level 4
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing may be required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Stevedoring
Occupation ready
Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations
Specialised training
Certificate IV in Stevedoring Operations
Specialised training
Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations
Transferable skills
Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
Transferable skills
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
93
ACT · May 2026
1
VIC · May 2026
55
NT · May 2026
4
SA · May 2026
31
NSW · May 2026
73
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+4%
549 projected jobs
to 2035
+8%
1,195 projected jobs
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Central Queensland
1,264 estimated employed
- 1
Central Queensland
1,264 employed
QLD
+29.51%
year on year
- 2
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
1,228 employed
NSW
+33.19%
year on year
- 3
Ipswich
1,151 employed
QLD
+29.04%
year on year
- 4
Moreton Bay - North
1,030 employed
QLD
+26.85%
year on year
- 5
Illawarra
995 employed
NSW
+33.56%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
9,625
Moved in from another occupation
1,360
Moved to another occupation
1,095
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
3
points
- 2
3
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 732131
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate. A missing CSOL flag is not a finding of visa ineligibility; check the current Home Affairs list.