Hoist and Winch Operators

What the job really is

Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-7041
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
• Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
• Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
• Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.
• Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks.
• Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Adjustable wrench sets, Bulk weighing systems, Conveyor belt systems, Electric hoists, Electric winches, Elevating platforms, Fork-grapples, Gas powered hoists, Grease dispensing guns, Hoisting cables

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
• Riggers
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Pile Driver Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Hoist and Winch Operators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.