Hoist and Winch Operators: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Hoist and Winch Operators

Hoist and Winch Operators operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

Salary
$62730
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth
Low

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Hoist and Winch Operators operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

  • 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.
  • Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
  • 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.
Read more about what does a Hoist and Winch Operator really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$56390 per year

Average hourly wage
$27 per hour


Hoist and Winch Operators with little to no experience tend to make between $28420 and $34190 while the more experienced ones can earn over $74840 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
WY $38 $79,320
MN $37 $77,840
WV $29 $61,000
CA $28 $57,950
WA $28 $57,850

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Hoist and Winch Operator is to move to a higher paying state like WY. Right now, the highest paying states for Hoist and Winch Operators are WY, MN, WV, CA and WA.

However, a higher pay at WY doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at WY might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Hoist and Winch Operator is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
No degree required

We asked other Hoist and Winch Operators what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by less than a High School Diploma.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Read more about how to become a Hoist and Winch Operator and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Hoist and Winch Operator.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Salary is below average
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
61%

Is this job meaningful
47%


61% of Hoist and Winch Operators said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Entrepreneurs

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.



Learn more about Hoist and Winch Operators

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Hoist and Winch Operators job description, Hoist and Winch Operators salary, Hoist and Winch Operators information, what is the job of a Hoist and Winch Operator like, pros and cons about Hoist and Winch Operators, colleges and universities for Hoist and Winch Operators, is Hoist and Winch Operators the right career for me, careers in Transportation

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