Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Crane Operators Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,760 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania 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. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Crane Operators Board and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $57,760, Crane Operators in Pennsylvania earn 13% below the national median of $66,370. Pennsylvania ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$57,760Hourly estimate
$27.7713% below national median
Difference: -$8,610
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#41 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $57,760 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $110,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $88,470 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $62,820 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $66,800 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $54,650 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $62,460 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Jersey | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Crane Operators Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831404
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,240 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $49,790 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $59,240 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,180 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Crane Operator licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Crane Operator salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Pennsylvania is $57,760. Salaries range from $39,620 (10th percentile) to $107,800 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in Pennsylvania earn 13% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $57,760.
How many Crane Operators work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 1,650 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Crane Operators Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/CraneOperators/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.