Hoist and Winch Operators

At a Glance

Control cables, cages, and platforms used to move materials
Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment and machines
Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions
May work less during winter
Usually train on the job
Often get jobs through unions

Career summary

Hoist and winch operators control cables, cages, and platforms used to move materials from place to place on a job site or in a factory.

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Hoist and winch operators begin by measuring or weighing the materials to be moved. The size, shape, and weight of the load determine how it can be moved. Operators decide whether the materials should be moved on a platform, in a metal cage, or by hooks and cables.

After moving materials onto platforms or into cages, operators attach cables, hooks, and lines to loads. They use equipment such as jacks, slings, cables, and stop blocks to control and position the loads. They use wrenches to tighten the connections.

Hoist and winch operators control machines that pull the cables and lift materials off the ground. They control the machines with switches, levers, and foot pedals. While moving materials, operators watch the loads to make sure they do not hit anything. They follow signals given by other workers. They also watch dials and indicators inside their equipment.

Some hoist and winch operators work on derricks. Derricks are tall, metal cage towers used for mining and drilling for oil. A cable and pulley system is built in the tower. Hoist and winch operators control this system to lift materials inside the tower. They may climb ladders to check equipment there.

Hoist and winch operators repair, maintain, and adjust equipment and machines. For example, they oil moving parts so that winches lift items smoothly.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Cargo Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to hoist and winch operators.

Choose loads of materials by weight and size.
Position loads and equipment by hand or by using trucks, cars, ladders, or hand trucks.
Attach cables or lines to materials using hand tools.
Operate hoist and winch machinery to lift or pull loads. Move levers, pedals, and hand or foot brakes.
Watch hoist and winch equipment so that load does not fall or hit something.
Lift and place loads in desired location.
Operate equipment, such as jacks, slings, or stop blocks, that control the movement of loads.
Signal to other workers and help them unload or load materials.
Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment.

Common work activities

Hoist and winch operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Handle and move objects
Get information needed to do the job
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Control machines and processes
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Identify objects, actions, and events
Make decisions and solve problems
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Teach others
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Explain the meaning of information to others
Process information
Document and record information
Develop goals and strategies
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, hoist and winch operators:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium to high level of job-required social interaction. They discuss with others about how best to move an object, but also spend time alone operating equipment.
Are extremely responsible for the health and safety of others.
Almost always work in a group or as part of a team.
May sometimes have to deal with unpleasant or angry people.
Are on occasion placed in conflict situations. People may disagree about how something should be done.
Are responsible for work outcomes and the results of other workers.

Physical work conditions

Often work outdoors in all types of weather and climate conditions. They also work indoors in places without heat or air conditioning, such as warehouses.
Spend a considerable amount of time inside the cab of their equipment. It may be enclosed or open, subject to outside air temperatures.
Always wear protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats.
Often work with dangerous equipment and are exposed to hazardous conditions. As a result, they may suffer minor cuts, burns, or scrapes.
Are often exposed to contaminants used in construction, logging, or mining projects.
Are regularly exposed to loud, distracting noises.
Sometimes work in high places, such as the top of derricks.
Sometimes experience jolting and shaking from the vibration of heavy machines.
Often work in cramped spaces when loading and unloading materials.
May work on mining job sites that have poor lighting conditions.
May on occasion be exposed to very hot or very cold weather conditions.
Work somewhat near others.

Work performance

Must do their job accurately. Errors could cause materials to fall which may result in serious damage or injury.
Regularly make decisions that affect their employers and coworkers. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
Set nearly all their tasks and goals for the day without consulting a supervisor.
Work at a pace set by the speed of the equipment.
Repeat the same physical activities, such as lifting, carrying, and arranging materials.
Abide by strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

Generally work a set schedule. Most work full time.
May work fewer hours in the winter because of bad weather.
May work more than 40 hours a week during busy periods.

Physical demands

Hoist and winch operators frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Bend or twist their body.
Sit for long periods of time.
Walk or run for long periods of time.
Keep or regain their balance.

It is important for hoist and winch operators to be able to:

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Determine the distance between objects.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for hoist and winch operators to be able to:

See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Determine from which direction a sound came.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Move arms and legs quickly.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
See objects in very low light.

Skills and abilities

Hoist and winch operators need to:

Communicate

Listen to others and ask questions.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.
Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Apprenticeship Programs

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a hoist and winch operator, you typically need to:

complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Hoist and winch operator jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Work experience

Any experience safely driving or operating equipment can help you get a trainee position. Some employers require a year or more of related work experience.

On-the-job training

Many hoist and winch operators learn their skills on the job. You begin by operating light equipment while an experienced operator supervises your work. As a beginner you also help set up, dismantle, and service the equipment. As you gain experience, you move up to heavier equipment. Training may last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be cargo specialists. Training lasts for two to six weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Added 4/22/09 lh. Info ok 4/25/16, 4/3/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Driver Education
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Hoist and winch operators, like other material movers, often get jobs through unions. Connections can be made through the International Union of Operating Engineers. People outside the union may apply directly to employers for entry-level positions.

Employers prefer operators who have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also look for operators with good balance, distance judgment, and eye-hand-foot coordination. Many employers look for related work experience.

Costs to workers

Costs may include union initiation fees and monthly dues. Workers may need to buy their own work clothing, footwear, and safety gear.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Hoist and Winch Operators

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Hoist and winch operators (SOC 53-7041)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$13.69	$20.31	$28.51	$35.35	$40.16
	Monthly	$2,372	$3,520	$4,941	$6,126	$6,960
	Yearly	$28,470	$42,240	$59,310	$73,540	$83,540
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$11.94	$17.84	$28.74	$36.77	$43.49
	Monthly	$2,069	$3,092	$4,981	$6,372	$7,537
	Yearly	$24,824	$37,095	$59,791	$76,471	$90,463
Vancouver	Hourly	$20.47	$21.67	$23.55	$25.43	$29.97
	Monthly	$3,547	$3,755	$4,081	$4,407	$5,194
	Yearly	$42,584	$45,074	$48,972	$52,893	$62,342
United States	Hourly	$13.66	$16.44	$21.87	$35.98	$53.09
	Monthly	$2,367	$2,849	$3,790	$6,235	$9,200
	Yearly	$28,420	$34,190	$45,490	$74,840	$110,430

Wages are usually higher in bigger cities. Those who belong to unions may be paid more. Wages also vary by the operator's level of experience.

Hoist and winch operators who work full time may receive benefits. Common benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Hoist and Winch Operators (SOC 53-7041)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	37	-8.1%	16.1%	4
King County	17	-11.8%	19.6%	2
United States	3,200	-3.1%	5.2%	400

National employment

Major employers:

Specialized equipment rental companies
Structural metal manufacturers
Shipyards and loading docks
Logging companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. Automation at ports reduces the need for hoist and winch operators. The decline in the manufacturing industry is another reason for limited growth. Job openings will occur as people retire or leave the occupation.

Other resources

International Union of Operating Engineers
1125 - 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.9100

Operating Engineers Regional Training Program
16921 Vantage Highway
Ellensburg, WA 98926
509.968.3203

References

Career cluster

Architecture and Construction

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Hoist and Winch Operators (53-7041.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.