Also called: Container Straddle Driver, RTG Crane Operator
Drives the giant, spider-like machines that lift and stack shipping containers in a port.
From a cab 40 feet up, the operator straddles a row of containers, picks one up, and delivers it to a truck or stack, following instructions on a screen.
Union longshore pay on the West Coast is much higher than these averages.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Union or terminal training; many start as longshore workers.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-7051: Slower than average (1% to 2%).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Automated straddle carriers already run in Europe and Australia; US contracts slow it, but seats are likely to shrink.
Classes: Driver's ed, Physics, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-7051.
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