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Hoist and Winch Operator

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All About Hoist and Winch Operators

Hoist & Winch Operator Definition Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

Hoist & Winch Operator Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks.
  • Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
  • Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
  • Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.

Things a Hoist & Winch Operator Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Hoist and Winch Operators say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Winch Derrick Operator
  • Electrical Traveling Overhead Crane Operator (ETOC Operator)
  • Pneumatic Hoist Operator
  • Corner Bead Operator
  • Dry Transfer Man

Job Opportunities for Hoist and Winch Operators

There were about 2,900 jobs for Hoist and Winch Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Hoist and Winch Operator. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Hoist & Winch Operator per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Hoist & Winch Operator are Arkansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, or Washington. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Hoist & Winch Operator

The salary for Hoist and Winch Operators ranges between about $28,420 and $110,430 a year.

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Hoist and Winch Operators who work in Wyoming, Minnesota, or Washington, make the highest salaries.

How much do Hoist and Winch Operators make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $42,010
California $57,950
Florida $49,830
Indiana $40,550
Kentucky $43,450
Maryland $48,830
Michigan $36,570
Minnesota $77,840
Nebraska $35,760
New Mexico $53,570
New York $53,030
Ohio $37,480
Oregon $47,210
Pennsylvania $45,360
Tennessee $37,820
Texas $43,100
Utah $53,350
Virginia $40,450
Washington $57,850
West Virginia $61,000
Wyoming $79,320

Tools & Technologies Used by Hoist and Winch Operators

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Hoist and Winch Operators may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Data entry software

How to Become a Hoist & Winch Operator

Individuals working as a Hoist and Winch Operator have obtained the following education levels:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Hoist & Winch Operator?

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Where Hoist and Winch Operators Are Employed

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being a Hoist and Winch Operator may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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