Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IN Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in Indiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in Indiana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in Indiana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
Years ago, the FCC required all announcers to hold a Third-class License and later a Restricted Operator's Permit.
- 6
The SBE now offers a radio operator certification examination that covers much of the same information that the Third-class License covered and provides a benchmark standard to gauge an individual's proficiency in station operations.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification examination that covers much of the same information that the Third-class License covered and provides a benchmark standard to gauge an individual's proficiency in stat
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,890 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Indiana 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: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Indiana
With a median salary of $57,890, Crane Operators in Indiana earn 13% below the national median of $66,370. Indiana ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$57,890Hourly estimate
$27.8313% below national median
Difference: -$8,480
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $57,890 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $77,110 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $62,460 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $55,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $53,240 | No educational requirements | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Illinois | 60 | Medium | 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
The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.
9102 North Meridian Street, Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN, 46260
Phone: 3178469000
Related Careers in Indiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $64,310 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,550 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $60,510 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,750 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in Indiana?
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 Indiana?
Indiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Crane Operators.
What education do you need to become a Crane Operator in Indiana?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Crane Operator licensure in Indiana.
What is the typical Crane Operator salary in Indiana?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Indiana is $57,890. Salaries range from $44,280 (10th percentile) to $88,420 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in Indiana compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in Indiana earn 13% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $57,890.
How many Crane Operators work in Indiana?
Indiana employs approximately 1,600 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Indiana 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 Indiana?
The licensing agency is The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.. Review agency details at http://www.sbe.org/.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in Indiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.