What is a Hoist and Winch Operator?

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

Life As a Hoist & Winch Operator: What Do They Do?

• Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.
• Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
• Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
• Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
• Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks.
• Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.

Qualities of a Hoist & Winch Operator

Hoist and Winch Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Other Hoist & Winch Operator Job Titles

• Cemetery Vault Installer
• Vault Puller
• Footman
• Steam Hoist Operator
• Rigger Up

Job Outlook for Hoist and Winch Operators

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 2,900 jobs in the United States for Hoist and Winch Operator. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Hoist and Winch Operator. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Hoist & Winch Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Hoist & Winch Operator are Arkansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, or Washington. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Hoist & Winch Operator Make?

Hoist and Winch Operators make between $28,420 and $110,430 a year.

Hoist and Winch Operators who work in Wyoming, Minnesota, or Washington, make the highest salaries.

How much do Hoist and Winch Operators make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$42,010
California	$57,950
Florida	$49,830
Indiana	$40,550
Kentucky	$43,450
Maryland	$48,830
Michigan	$36,570
Minnesota	$77,840
Nebraska	$35,760
New Mexico	$53,570
New York	$53,030
Ohio	$37,480
Oregon	$47,210
Pennsylvania	$45,360
Tennessee	$37,820
Texas	$43,100
Utah	$53,350
Virginia	$40,450
Washington	$57,850
West Virginia	$61,000
Wyoming	$79,320

Tools & Technologies Used by Hoist and Winch Operators

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Hoist and Winch Operators:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Data entry software

Becoming a Hoist & Winch Operator

Education needed to be a Hoist and Winch Operator:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Hoist & Winch Operator?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Hoist and Winch Operator might also be interested in the following careers:

• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.