Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$53,240 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training~Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training~Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $53,240, Crane Operators in Illinois earn 20% below the national median of $66,370. Illinois ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$53,240Hourly estimate
$25.6020% below national median
Difference: -$13,130
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#47 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $53,240 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $68,310 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $46,580 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $55,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $57,890 | No educational requirements | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL, 62702-1271
Phone: 2177826791
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $79,700 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $50,450 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $76,410 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $73,050 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
Illinois lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Crane Operators.
What education do you need to become a Crane Operator in Illinois?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Crane Operator licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Crane Operator salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Illinois is $53,240. Salaries range from $40,150 (10th percentile) to $137,150 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in Illinois earn 20% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $53,240.
How many Crane Operators work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 1,100 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training / Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training / Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training. Review agency details at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/mines/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.