SOC 2020 · 8221
Crane drivers
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 25th | £38,942 |
| 50th | £46,463 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | £38,942 | £46,463 | — | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £43,705 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £37,514 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £53,511 | — | — |
| South East 2025 | — | — | £44,745 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
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
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.