Crane Operator Jobs: A Second Chance for Workers Looking for a Change

If you’ve spent the last few decades in a physically demanding trade and your body is telling you it’s time for a change, you’re not alone. Construction workers are getting older, and about 50% of U.S. workers aged 50 to 70 report that their job involves physically demanding tasks, such as carrying heavy loads, lifting materials, or working in tiring positions at least a quarter of the time. This can lead to severe injuries and long recovery times, so many workers are seeking less physically demanding careers. That’s why crane operator jobs are becoming a popular option for older workers or those who have been injured on the job.

Crane operation is a less physically demanding second career choice, and PTS can help career changers make the transition with ease. If you’re considering a career shift, explore how PTS can prepare you to find crane operator jobs that will leave you with less physical pain and more sustainable wages.

The Wear and Tear of Physically Demanding Jobs

In the trades, workers may need a career change after experiencing common injuries in concrete, construction, or roofing. The long-term physical impact on knees, backs, and joints can be challenging, limiting workers’ ability to perform their jobs successfully. Repetitive tasks like lifting, bending, and squatting can lead to bodily strain, and conditions could worsen with age.

In addition, older workers take longer to recover, increasing time away from work and risking reinjury. Workers’ comp injuries force workers to look for new roles, cutting careers short or forcing early retirement. Loss of income and benefits can lead to serious financial strain, which is why it’s so important to have an alternative career path in mind.

Crane operator jobs are the perfect choice. These positions are less physically demanding, requiring seated work and minimal lifting. Workers will find themselves in an environment that they understand: on job sites operating heavy machinery. With a growing demand for certified crane operators across industries, there are plenty of opportunities available for older workers looking to stay in the workforce, injured tradespeople needing a less physically intense job, or career changers with mechanical aptitude.

Crane operator jobs provide a stable and high-paying career. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research, mobile crane operators make an average of $80,674 per year, which is on the higher end of construction salaries.

If you’re looking to make a seamless career transition into mobile crane operation, PTS can support you. Let’s explore how.

PTS Will Help You Prepare for New Crane Operator Jobs

Our training school provides comprehensive, hands-on training that will give you the practical experience you need to find success in mobile crane operation. Learn how to operate the mobile hydraulic telescopic boom swing-cab and telescopic boom fix-cab cranes, as well as preventative maintenance, wire rope and basic rigging practices.

At PTS, our training program lasts for three weeks, and with our career assistance services, you’ll be on your way to your new job in no time. There are numerous opportunities available that can help you fund your training with PTS. You may be able to use your workers’ compensation funds or disability benefits to pay for our program. PTS also accepts veterans’ benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Our team is committed to seeing you succeed. With our mixture of classroom instruction and in-the-seat practical experience, PTS will leave you qualified for a number of crane operator jobs. In as little as three weeks, you can find your next step in a new career that offers a fresh start without walking away from everything you’ve learned in the trades.

If you’re an older or disabled worker, you don’t have to give up your career. Just reroute it. We’re here to help you do it. Schedule a tour with PTS today to get started.