Hoist and winch operators
SOC Code: 53-7041Also known as:
Air Hoist Operator, Air Lift Operator, Boat Hoist Operator, Boat Loader, Boat Puller
Median Annual Salary
$52,310
-1.1% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Hoist and winch operators Do
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
💰 Salary
$52,310
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.1%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,700
Projected Employment (2034)
2,700
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Crane and tower operators
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Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Time Management
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
- Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Hoist and winch operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a hoist and winch operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Hoist and winch operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become hoist and winch operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hoist and winch operators make?
The median annual salary for hoist and winch operators is $52,310.
What education do hoist and winch operators need?
Most hoist and winch operators positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming hoist and winch operators a good career choice?
Hoist and winch operators is projected to see -1.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for hoist and winch operators?
Top colleges for aspiring hoist and winch operators include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to hoist and winch operators?
Hoist and winch operators may also be known as: Air Hoist Operator, Air Lift Operator, Boat Hoist Operator, Boat Loader, Boat Puller, Bridge Rigger, Building Rigger, Cable Operator, Cable Way Operator, Cage Operator, Cage Tender, Casing Puller, Cemetery Vault Installer, Chute Operator, Clean-Out Driller, Clutch Operator, Coal Handler, Coal Trimmer, Corner Bead Operator, Cupola Hoist Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.