Crane drivers Pay Data UK — 2024

Crane drivers roles in the UK earn a median of £47,373 per year, equivalent to £18.03 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 11.9% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £39,336 to £69,680 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Crane drivers roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Crane drivers

Crane drivers supervise and undertake the operation of cranes, jib cranes, power driven hoisting machinery and power driven stationary engines to raise and lower mine and other cages, and to lift and move equipment, materials, machinery and containers.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• gives signals for movement of cage carrying workers/equipment
• starts crane or engine motor and checks that cables run freely and that brakes and drum(s) are working
• manipulates levers, switches and pedals to rotate jibs into position and turns winding drum to raise or lower hook, bucket or other holding equipment
• lifts load or cage, or hauls object into required position and lowers or positions for ground workers to detach, unload or load
• watches control panel for warning lights and indications of wind speed and direction and carrying capacity of crane
• oils and greases machine and checks ropes

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements, though GCSEs/S grades are advantageous. Entry is typically through an apprenticeship programme or college course in conjunction with on-the-job training, leading to a NVQ/SVQ level 2/3 qualification, or through building up work experience operating other heavy machinery supplemented with short courses. Operators are required to hold a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card owned and administered by the National Open College Network (NOCN) group, demonstrating basic skills and safety awareness.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.