Hoist and Winch Operator Salary
Hoist and Winch Operators earn a median $56,450 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
What hoist and winch operators do
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +0.2% (slower than average)
- Openings per year
- 300
- Self-employed
- 19%
Employment of hoist and winch operators is projected to grow 0.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Hoist and Winch Operator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,594
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,500
- Medicare (1.45%)$819
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$47,538
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,640 | $17.13 | $30,817 |
| 25th percentile | $42,690 | $20.52 | $36,481 |
| Median (50th) | $56,450 | $27.14 | $47,538 |
| 75th percentile | $94,350 | $45.36 | $75,205 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $118,210 | $56.83 | $91,991 |
Hoist and Winch Operator salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $118,210 | +1.8% | $86,284 | $118,210 – $118,210 | 320 |
| Hawaii | $107,100 | +6.1% | $77,565 | $80,990 – $127,940 | 120 |
| Maryland | $99,840 | +13.8% | $74,689 | $79,550 – $99,840 | 140 |
| Minnesota | $78,400 | +19.4% | $60,177 | $51,040 – $78,400 | 60 |
| New York | $74,980 | +27.1% | $58,127 | $41,690 – $103,220 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $62,240 | +0.8% | $49,298 | $57,000 – $109,440 | — |
| Oregon | $55,880 | +0.3% | $43,020 | $40,130 – $72,660 | 70 |
| Missouri | $47,510 | +1.8% | $39,059 | $46,160 – $56,450 | 40 |
| Ohio | $43,000 | +15.3% | $36,330 | $38,050 – $43,890 | — |
| Michigan | $40,070 | +16.3% | $32,924 | $32,010 – $56,290 | 50 |
| Tennessee | $39,930 | −4.9% | $34,264 | $30,940 – $52,630 | 40 |
| Indiana | $39,750 | +3.6% | $32,976 | $37,620 – $66,940 | 120 |
| Georgia | $37,870 | +0.7% | $31,266 | $31,960 – $52,760 | 90 |
| Virginia | $37,020 | −16.5% | $30,611 | $29,550 – $45,970 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $36,560 | −2.8% | $30,728 | $34,720 – $41,690 | 80 |
| Florida | $33,570 | −13.7% | $29,153 | $28,070 – $74,130 | 120 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $58,870 | No formal educational credential | +2.8% |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $61,770 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.3% |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector | $49,690 | No formal educational credential | +2.1% |
| Dredge Operator | $49,640 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.7% |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator | $46,420 | No formal educational credential | +1.5% |
| Crane and Tower Operator | $68,080 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.8% |
| Wellhead Pumper | $69,960 | High school diploma or equivalent | -2.0% |
| Conveyor Operator and Tender | $42,420 | No formal educational credential | -2.6% |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | $41,800 | No formal educational credential | +2.7% |
| Machine Feeder and Offbearer | $41,220 | No formal educational credential | -13.1% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hoist and winch operator make?
The national median salary for hoist and winch operators is $56,450 a year ($27.14 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,640 and the top 10% earn over $118,210. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays hoist and winch operators the most?
Illinois has the highest median pay at $118,210.
How many hoist and winch operators are there in the U.S.?
About 2,600 people work as hoist and winch operators nationwide.