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Hoist and Winch Operators
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Other titles employers use
Hoist Operator · Hoistman · Material Handler · Service Operator · Winch Derrick Operator · Winch Operator
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
- Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Operation and Control
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
Useful strengths
- Problem Sensitivity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Reaction Time
- Depth Perception
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.3 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.6 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.8 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.9 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Most employers do not ask for a formal credential. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 68%
- A certificate or some college 32%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 400
- Job openings each year
- 40
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 8.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 400 | 40 | 8.1% |
| New Jersey | 190 | 20 | 35.7% |
| Oregon | 160 | 20 | −5.9% |
| North Carolina | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Maryland | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| Arizona | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Colorado | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Alabama | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Minnesota | 100 | 10 | −9.1% |
| Texas | 80 | 10 | — |
| Tennessee | 70 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 60 | 10 | — |
| Missouri | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| West Virginia | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Alaska | 30 | 0 | — |
| Arkansas | 30 | 0 | 50.0% |
| Virginia | 30 | 0 | — |
| Kentucky | 20 | 0 | — |
| Ohio | 20 | 0 | — |
| South Carolina | 20 | 0 | — |
| Idaho | 10 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.