A higher class expands the equipment scope only after the relevant licence and practical competence are obtained.
Compare roles and pay →Fabrication, lifting & SMP · Specialist
Mining Crane Operator
Operates the nominated crane class within load charts, lift controls, ground conditions and the communication structure of the lift team.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$130k–$210kGross, generally before super
Common roster context2/1 and project rosters are common; shutdown campaigns may include nights.
Typical work settingMobile cranes, franna cranes, lift execution
Supplied rate guide · 28 September 2026
Indicative hourly rates.
These day and night / campaign ranges are separate from the annual band. They are broad comparisons, not an offer or an award minimum.
- Day / project
- $65–$90/hr
- Night / campaign
- $78–$108/hr
Check the applicable award or enterprise agreement, paid hours, penalties, allowances and super in the actual offer. Find an agreement ↗
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Operates the nominated crane class within load charts, lift controls, ground conditions and the communication structure of the lift team. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Complete crane pre-starts
- 02
Set up within ground and configuration limits
- 03
Interpret load charts
- 04
Operate to signals and lift plans
- 05
Monitor wind and changing conditions
- 06
Record defects and lift information
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Slewing mobile cranes
- 02
Non-slewing mobile cranes
- 03
Pick-and-carry cranes
- 04
Tower or vehicle-loading cranes where licensed
- 05
Outriggers and mats
- 06
Rated-capacity indicators
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Correct high-risk work licence for the crane class
- 02
Verified competence on the model and configuration
- 03
Site lifting procedures
- 04
Medical, access and communication requirements
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Licence and crane class
- 02
Model, configuration and capacity
- 03
Load-chart and ground-condition decisions
- 04
Lift type, team and outcome
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Build dogging and lift-team experience
- 02
Complete the relevant crane licence pathway
- 03
Develop competence on specific crane types
- 04
Progress capacity and lift complexity deliberately
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Crane class and capacity
- 02
Complex or critical lifts
- 03
Project and shutdown utilisation
- 04
Night shift, travel and allowances
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
- 04
Which crane class, capacity, configuration and lift types are included?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Develop supervised equipment experience and pass employer verification for each machine, method and work area.
Compare roles and pay →Leads a defined crew or work front, translating the plan into safe, controlled execution while managing people, interfaces and changing conditions.
Related role band: $150k–$210kBuild scheduling, materials and stakeholder coordination skills, with clear records of decisions and work handovers.
Compare roles and pay →Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Some hourly guides were supplied and have not been independently validated role by role; others show selected advertised examples. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 28 September 2026.