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Crane Operator Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in New York, 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 New York

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Experience: Work experience required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  3. 3

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Department of Labor • Division of Safety and Health • License and Certificate Unit, Bldg 12, Rm. 161

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $110,000 median (66% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required state examinations.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NYS Department of Labor~Division of Safety and Health~License and Certificate Unit, Bldg 12, Rm. 161 and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $110,000, Crane Operators in New York earn 66% above the national median of $66,370. New York ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$110,000

Hourly estimate

$52.88
66% above national median

Difference: +$43,630

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,820
  • P2525th percentile$83,760
  • P50Median$110,000
  • P7575th percentile$186,440
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $110,000
National: $66,370

Total employment: 1,330 | Annual openings: N/A

Crane Operator Salary Ranking

#4 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
New York$110,000Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Vermont$73,840Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$76,640No educational requirementsState exam required18 years
Connecticut$86,830No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$88,470No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$57,760No educational requirementsThird-party 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
New York60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania60MediumState-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

NYS Department of Labor • Division of Safety and Health • License and Certificate Unit, Bldg 12, Rm. 161

Harriman State Office Campus, Building 12, Room 161, Albany, NY, 12240

Phone: 5184572735

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$93,200No educational requirementsVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$51,650No educational requirementsVaries by board
Carpenter$63,660Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$78,570No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 New York?

The median annual salary for Crane Operators in New York is $110,000.

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

Crane Operators in New York earn 66% above the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $110,000.

How many Crane Operators work in New York?

New York employs approximately 1,330 Crane Operators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to New York 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 New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Department of Labor / Division of Safety and Health / License and Certificate Unit, Bldg 12, Rm. 161. Review agency details at https://dol.ny.gov/.

How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in New York?

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