Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
U.S. Workers
42,000
Median Salary
$66,370
10-Year Growth
+3.0%
Annual Openings
3,800
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
11 of 11 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
AI: Fully automatable - Determining load weights and checking lift capacities is a straightforward sensor-fusion and computation task that can be fully automated with scales, load cells, and software safeguards.
Load or unload bundles from trucks or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated material‑handling systems and autonomous cranes/vehicles are widely deployed in ports and warehouses, enabling fully automated loading/unloading in structured settings.
Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements and remove and batch packaging tickets.
AI: Fully automatable - Computer vision and OCR can verify packaging conformity and extract/aggregate packaging tickets for batching in standardized workflows, enabling full automation in many operations.
Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
AI: Fully automatable - Reviewing schedules and generating delivery sequences and special loading instructions is a planning task that AI scheduling and optimization systems can fully perform.
Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
AI: Fully automatable - Weighing bundles with floor scales and recording weights is easily automated via connected scales and software integration.
Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
AI: Partial - AI can operate cranes remotely and autonomously in controlled environments by commanding actuators and sensors, but complex, safety‑critical, unstructured operations still require human oversight and intervention.
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
AI: Partial - Computer vision and predictive‑maintenance algorithms can detect many issues and suggest adjustments, but hands‑on mechanical adjustments and final safety judgments typically require human technicians.
Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
AI: Partial - Automated inspection (drones, CV) can identify wear on cables and grapples, but physically installing or replacing heavy cables and making complex safety assessments remain largely manual tasks.
Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
AI: Partial - AI can provide real‑time guidance and sequencing to helpers, yet directing crew placement and making immediate safety decisions in dynamic sites is still primarily a human responsibility.
Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs as necessary.
AI: Partial - Routine cleaning, lubrication, and scheduled maintenance can be automated or assisted by robots, but diagnosing and executing non‑routine repairs typically require skilled human mechanics.
Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.
AI: Partial - AI can assist drivers with sensors, cameras, and remote marshalling guidance, but dynamic backing maneuvers and physically covering or securing loads often remain manual and human‑coordinated.