Hoist and Winch Operator

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love hands-on work and operating heavy machinery.
Essential role in safely moving heavy loads in construction and industry.
Master the art of precision with power-operated cable equipment.

💰 Earn $0-$0

📚 NO DEGREE REQUIRED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -0.5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.
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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

None

Career Prospects

Steady (Staying constant (within 1%))

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

300 Annually

Median Earnings

$55,950 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Hoist and Winch Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years