What licences or tickets do you need to work as a Crane operator?

In every state the law requires: High risk work licence: slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes (C2) and White Card (general construction induction). Pick your state on this page to see who issues each one and how to get it.

Crane operator

Operates cranes to lift and move heavy materials on building and civil sites.

What you do

You test the crane before use to make sure it is safe. You work with riggers to position the hook and lift, move and place loads. You control the load and use signals with other workers. You watch the gauges for problems and look after the ropes and cables.

SourceLast checked 10 Oct 2026

Licences and tickets

New South Wales

Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.

High risk work licence: slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes (C2)
Issued by Your state's work health and safety regulator (e.g. SafeWork NSW)
Licence
Every state
This is one common class. The class you need depends on the type and size of the crane.
SourceLast checked 10 Oct 2026
How to get it
White Card (general construction induction)
Issued by Your state's work health and safety regulator (e.g. SafeWork NSW)
Card
Every state
SourceLast checked 10 Oct 2026
How to get it

Helps you stand outNot required, but it can help you get hired.

High risk work licence: dogging (DG)
Issued by Your state's work health and safety regulator (e.g. SafeWork NSW)
Licence
Every state
SourceLast checked 10 Oct 2026
How to get it

Pay

$38.91an hour

Minimum casual rate (adult, Mobile crane employee level 1 (MCE1)): $38.91 an hour

Under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020 (MA000032), from 1 July 2026. Last checked 10 Oct 2026.

Minimum full-time rate (adult, Mobile crane employee level 1 (MCE1)): $31.13 an hour

SourceLast checked 10 Oct 2026

Median earnings: $3,411 a week before tax (full-time workers, all experience levels, national; may cover a wider occupation group)

SourceLast checked 10 Oct 2026

Median earnings and some job descriptions: Jobs and Skills Australia, © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Rounded and reworded by Nyvo.

The award rates shown are national minimums under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award (MA000032), from 1 July 2026, for the lowest level (Mobile crane employee level 1). They include the industry allowance. Crane operators on building sites may be covered by a different award. Your level depends on the crane and your duties. Age, overtime, weekend work, other allowances and enterprise agreements can change your pay. Whether you are an employee or a contractor depends on the actual working relationship, not the job title. For pay questions, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94. The median weekly figure comes from Jobs and Skills Australia. It is for full-time workers in the wider occupation group, before tax. It is a guide only, not a promise of pay.

Rates depend on your award level, age, casual or permanent work, penalty rates and any enterprise agreement.

Whether you are an employee or a contractor depends on the actual working relationship, not the job title. Fair Work

Check pay with Fair Work See current ads on SEEK

Common questions

What licences or tickets do you need to work as a Crane operator?: In every state the law requires: High risk work licence: slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes (C2) and White Card (general construction induction). Pick your state on this page to see who issues each one and how to get it.
What is the minimum pay for a Crane operator?: Minimum casual rate (adult, Mobile crane employee level 1 (MCE1)): $38.91 an hour. Under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020 (MA000032), from 1 July 2026. Last checked 10 Oct 2026.
What are median earnings for a Crane operator?: Median earnings: $3,411 a week before tax (full-time workers, all experience levels, national; may cover a wider occupation group).

What you do

Licences and tickets

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Common questions