Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Hoist and Winch Operators
SOC: 53-7041 O*NET: 53-7041.00
Median Salary
$56,450
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
What does a Hoist and Winch Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,640
10th percentile
Early Career
$42,690
25th percentile
Median
$56,450
50th percentile
Experienced
$94,350
75th percentile
Top Earners
$118,210
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,640
25th
$42,690
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$56,450
Mean: $67,710
75th
$94,350
90th
$118,210
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $82,570 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $42,690 and $94,350
- •Salary spread is 91.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 2,600 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:3,200
Top Industries
Manufacturing24.2%
Construction12.3%
Wholesale Trade8.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.2%
Annual Openings:300
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)3,200
Current
2035 (Projected)3,200
+0.2%
0
Employment Change
+0.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Hoist and Winch Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 17 locations
Illinois
320 jobs$118,2103.10x
Washington
240 jobs$04.01x
Maryland
140 jobs$99,8403.03x
Hawaii
120 jobs$107,10011.17x
Indiana
120 jobs$39,7502.27x
Florida
120 jobs$33,5700.75x
New York
110 jobs$74,9800.66x
Georgia
90 jobs$37,8701.08x
Wisconsin
80 jobs$36,5601.54x
Oregon
70 jobs$55,8802.22x
Minnesota
60 jobs$78,4001.22x
Michigan
50 jobs$40,0700.62x
Missouri
40 jobs$47,5100.89x
Tennessee
40 jobs$39,9300.70x
Virginia
40 jobs$37,0200.54x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mechanical
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Monitoring
94%
#5
Control Precision
92%
#6
Operations Monitoring
86%
#7
Depth Perception
82%
#8
Time Management
80%
#9
Operation and Control
74%
#10
Reaction Time
74%
Skills Overview
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Control Precision
advanced4.6
92%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Depth Perception
intermediate4.1
82%
Time Management
intermediate4.0
80%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Control Precision
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Depth Perception
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Reaction Time
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters82%
5 shared skills
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters82%
5 shared skills
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity73%
5 shared skills
Crane and Tower Operators73%
5 shared skills
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Mechanical
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mechanical
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Problem Sensitivity
- ★Control Precision
- ★Depth Perception
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Hoist and Winch Operators
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
13
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •54% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Hoist and Winch Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Hoist and Winch Operators professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Hoist and Winch Operators
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.17
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.14
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.11
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.03
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.97
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.83
Complete Work Styles Profile
Independence
4.2
Initiative
4.1
Dependability
4.1
Attention to Detail
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Persistence
3.8
Concern for Others
3.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.7
Stress Tolerance
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Hoist and Winch Operators.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Hoist and Winch Operators
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Advanced Career Institute
Visalia, CA
952 program completions/year
U.S. Truck Driver Training School
Sterling Heights, MI
790 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island
Pawtucket, RI
626 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT-Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT
483 program completions/year
Delta Technical College-Mississippi
Horn Lake, MS
475 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Connecticut
Somers, CT
430 program completions/year
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Massachusetts
Haverhill, MA
396 program completions/year
M T Training Center
Desoto, TX
343 program completions/year
HDS Truck Driving Institute
Tucson, AZ
324 program completions/year
Diesel Driving Academy-Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA
313 program completions/year
All-State Career School
Essington, PA
306 program completions/year
City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College
Chicago, IL
303 program completions/year