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Verified by NE Board of Trades

Crane Operator Licensing in Nebraska

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in Nebraska, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in Nebraska

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Complete the examination application indicating name, address, date of birth, age, social security number;

  2. 2

    Take and pass the examination with a score of at least 70%;

  3. 3

    Pay the examination/certification fee of $40.00.

  4. 4

    Complete the examination application indicating name, address, date of birth, age, social security number

  5. 5

    Pay the examination/certification fee of $40

  6. 6

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  7. 7

    Once the application and fee have been processed, applicants will receive an email with instructions to access the online exam, along with an online video and study materials.

  8. 8

    The exam must be completed within 10 days of receipt of the e-mail.

  9. 9

    The online exam is available for both initial and renewal certification.

Exam and processing details

  • pass the examination with a score of at least 70%;

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified Operator must supervise the operation of the water treatment facilities to insure safe water, both from a physical and bacterial standpoint

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy • Public Health Division

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $66,800 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #28 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Complete the examination application indicating name, address, date of birth, age, social security number;; Complete the examination application indicating name, address, date of birth, age, social security number).
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: pass the examination with a score of at least 70%;.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Complete the examination application indicating name, address, date of birth, age, social security number;; Complete the examination application indicating name, address, date of birth, age, social security number).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy~Public Health Division and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Nebraska

With a median salary of $66,800, Crane Operators in Nebraska earn 1% above the national median of $66,370. Nebraska ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,157

Median annual salary

$66,800

Hourly estimate

$32.12
1% above national median

Difference: +$430

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,110
  • P2525th percentile$46,500
  • P50Median$66,800
  • P7575th percentile$77,180
  • P9090th percentile$79,090

State vs National Median

State: $66,800
National: $66,370

Total employment: 290 | Annual openings: N/A

Crane Operator Salary Ranking

#28 of 50 statesfor Crane Operator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nevada$129,930
#2Hawaii$115,870
#3Oregon$110,280
#4New York$110,000
#5Washington$96,870

Nearby States Comparison

Crane Operator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Nebraska$66,800Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$70,400Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$55,620Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$46,580No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$64,430No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Colorado$74,140No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Wyoming$76,110Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Colorado60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy • Public Health Division

245 Fallbrook Blvd, P.O. Box 98922, Lincoln, NE, 68509

Phone: 4022472186

Related Careers in Nebraska

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$62,990Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$48,810Varies by state boardVaries by board
Carpenter$49,590Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$70,730Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in Nebraska?

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 Nebraska?

The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Nebraska is $66,800. Salaries range from $43,110 (10th percentile) to $79,090 (90th percentile).

How does the Crane Operator salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?

Crane Operators in Nebraska earn 1% above the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $66,800.

How many Crane Operators work in Nebraska?

Nebraska employs approximately 290 Crane Operators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Nebraska 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 Nebraska?

The licensing agency is Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy / Public Health Division. Review agency details at https://dee.ne.gov/ndeqprog.nsf/onweb/sp.

How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in Nebraska?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.