Application Fee
See agencyVerified by DE Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in Delaware
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in Delaware, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in Delaware
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC) • Division of Water
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,820 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Delaware eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC)~Division of Water and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Delaware
With a median salary of $62,820, Crane Operators in Delaware earn 5% below the national median of $66,370. Delaware ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.5%Average Weekly Wage
$1,371Median annual salary
$62,820Hourly estimate
$30.205% below national median
Difference: -$3,550
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#33 of 50 statesfor Crane Operator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $129,930 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $115,870 |
| #3 | Oregon | $110,280 |
| #4 | New York | $110,000 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,870 |
Nearby States Comparison
Crane Operator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $62,820 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $66,800 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $57,760 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $88,470 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Pennsylvania | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC) • Division of Water
Dover, DE, 19901
Phone: 3027399949
Related Careers in Delaware
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $85,000 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $50,350 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $61,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $64,990 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in Delaware?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Crane Operators in Delaware?
Delaware lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Crane Operators.
What education do you need to become a Crane Operator in Delaware?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Crane Operator licensure in Delaware.
What is the typical Crane Operator salary in Delaware?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Delaware is $62,820. Salaries range from $52,990 (10th percentile) to $82,570 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in Delaware compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in Delaware earn 5% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $62,820.
How many Crane Operators work in Delaware?
Delaware employs approximately 70 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Delaware from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Crane Operators in Delaware?
The licensing agency is Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC) / Division of Water. Review agency details at https://den.dnrec.delaware.gov/.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in Delaware?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.