Hoist & Winch Operators

Also Called: Hoistman, Material Handler

What Hoist & Winch Operators 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.
Industry Areas:

Construction Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Glaziery • Heavy Equipment Operations • Material Distribution Operations • OCT-Only Construction • OCT-Only Transportation

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

Tools

  • Hoists
  • Grapples
  • Grease guns
  • Slings
  • Belt conveyors

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Time Management
  • Active Listening

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Business
customer service

Education

  • % High school diploma or equivalent
  • % Less than high school diploma
  • % Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Independence
  • Initiative
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Persistence

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Relationships

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Controlled Movement
  • Hearing and Speech
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Hoist & Winch Operators across the country typically make.

$16.23 / hour
$33,760 /year

Entry Level

$26.90 / hour
$55,950 /year

Median Level

$53.59 / hour
$111,470 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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