Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Experience: No experience required.
- 2
Certification: Certification required.
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,620 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Natural Resources and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $55,620, Crane Operators in Iowa earn 16% below the national median of $66,370. Iowa ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$55,620Hourly estimate
$26.7416% below national median
Difference: -$10,750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#43 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $55,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $68,310 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $53,240 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $46,580 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $66,800 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $70,400 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th St, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5152814515
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $70,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,400 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $54,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,830 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in Iowa?
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 is the typical Crane Operator salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Iowa is $55,620. Salaries range from $44,740 (10th percentile) to $81,610 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in Iowa earn 16% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $55,620.
How many Crane Operators work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 570 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Iowa from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Crane Operators in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Review agency details at http://wildlife-control-operators-network.com/iowa-animal-control-permits/.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.