Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in Missouri, 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 Missouri
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.
- 5
Applicant must contact Missouri Department of Natural Resources for license requirements.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Missouri Department of Natural Resources • Missouri Clean Water Commision • Missouri Clean Water Commision
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,580 median (30% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Natural Resources~Missouri Clean Water Commision~Missouri Clean Water Commision and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $46,580, Crane Operators in Missouri earn 30% below the national median of $66,370. Missouri ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$46,580Hourly estimate
$22.3930% below national median
Difference: -$19,790
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#49 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $46,580 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $53,240 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $55,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $56,530 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Arkansas | $42,170 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $71,500 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $64,430 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $66,800 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 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
Missouri Department of Natural Resources • Missouri Clean Water Commision • Missouri Clean Water Commision
1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0176
Phone: 5737511600
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $63,440 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $46,710 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $61,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $62,230 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Crane Operators.
What education do you need to become a Crane Operator in Missouri?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Crane Operator licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Crane Operator salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Missouri is $46,580. Salaries range from $37,550 (10th percentile) to $98,170 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in Missouri earn 30% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $46,580.
How many Crane Operators work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 470 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Missouri 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 Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Natural Resources / Missouri Clean Water Commision / Missouri Clean Water Commision. Review agency details at https://dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/permits-certification-engineering-fees/operator-certification.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.