Hoist and Winch Operators

Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

What you'd actually do

• Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
• Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
• Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
• Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
• Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
• Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Less than high school. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 7.8% of hoist and winch operators are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Flight Attendants
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Locomotive Engineers
• Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
• Commercial Pilots

Quick questions

How much does a hoist and winch operator make?

The median pay is $27.14 per hour — roughly $56,500 a year, with the real range running from about $17.13/hr (10th percentile) to $56.83/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a hoist and winch operator?

The typical entry-level education is: Less than high school. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a hoist and winch operator actually do all day?

Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks. Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums. Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.