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Crane Operator Licensing in Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    OSHA mandates that forklift operator training is to consist of a combination of formal training (e.g., classroom, interactive computer training, written material), and practical training, including evaluation (hands-on evaluation by a qualified instructor).

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Labor • Occupational Safety and Health Administration

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $65,400 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Labor~Occupational Safety and Health Administration and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Virginia

With a median salary of $65,400, Crane Operators in Virginia earn 1% below the national median of $66,370. Virginia ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,471

Median annual salary

$65,400

Hourly estimate

$31.44
1% below national median

Difference: -$970

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,720
  • P2525th percentile$51,940
  • P50Median$65,400
  • P7575th percentile$74,300
  • P9090th percentile$85,820

State vs National Median

State: $65,400
National: $66,370

Total employment: 1,280 | Annual openings: N/A

Crane Operator Salary Ranking

#30 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
Virginia$65,400Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$66,800Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$54,650No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$55,100Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Tennessee$56,530Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
North Carolina$62,060Varies by state boardNo 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
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • 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

Department of Labor • Occupational Safety and Health Administration

600 East Main Street, Suite 207, Richmond, VA, 23219-2430

Phone: 8043712327

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$80,770Specific course requiredVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$56,320Specific course requiredVaries by board
Carpenter$50,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$69,960Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Virginia?

Virginia 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 Virginia?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Crane Operator licensure in Virginia.

What is the typical Crane Operator salary in Virginia?

The median annual salary for Crane Operators in Virginia is $65,400. Salaries range from $41,720 (10th percentile) to $85,820 (90th percentile).

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

Crane Operators in Virginia earn 1% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $65,400.

How many Crane Operators work in Virginia?

Virginia employs approximately 1,280 Crane Operators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to Virginia 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 Virginia?

The licensing agency is Department of Labor / Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Review agency details at https://www.osha.gov/.

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

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