Hoist and Winch Operators
Transportation and Material Moving
Signals from hands, bells, buzzers, phones, loudspeakers, or whistles, or marks on the cable and dial readings, tell when to start, stop, or change the speed of hoist and winch drums. Levers, pedals, and throttles wind and unwind cable on machines driven by compressed air, diesel, electricity, gasoline, or steam. Gauges and coworkers' signals confirm a load's position or depth; materials are chosen by weight and size, and cables are attached or released with hand tools. Hoists, winches, and loads may be shifted by hand or with trucks, and operators signal or help others during loading. A match for people who prefer coordinating machine movement with signals and tracking load position.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$56'450
Median Wage Market Position
$56'450
What you might do
- Control hoist drums to lift and lower loads
- Follow hand, bell, or whistle signals
- Watch gauges to confirm load depth
- Fasten cables to loads with hand tools
- Shift hoists and materials by truck or by hand
- Choose loads that match weight and size limits
Skills that matter
- Hoist control from bells or hand signals
- Watching gauges for load position and depth
- Selecting loads by weight and size
- Attaching and disconnecting cables on loads
- Timing lifts with the loading crew
- Moving hoists and loads by truck
AI & the future of this role
Powered lifting can adopt more programmed or remote controls for repetitive, well-mapped moves. Variable loads, cramped sites, and safety accountability still favor experienced operators who can adapt when conditions are not cleanly scripted.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details