Hoist and Winch Operators
SOC Code: 53-7041 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Hoist and Winch Operators. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $52,270 | $77,480 | $102,710 | $127,920 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $51,626 | $75,899 | $100,173 | $124,446 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $51,626 | $75,899 | $100,173 | $124,446 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $51,626 | $75,899 | $100,173 | $124,446 |
| Rockford, IL | $113,755 | $114,587 | $115,398 | $116,230 |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $112,882 | $114,005 | $115,107 | $116,230 |
| Bloomington, IL | $106,475 | $109,720 | $112,986 | $116,230 |
| Kankakee, IL | $113,381 | $114,338 | $115,274 | $116,230 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $113,755 | $114,587 | $115,398 | $116,230 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $106,475 | $109,720 | $112,986 | $116,230 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Time Management | 3.5 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.4 | |
| Active Listening | 3.4 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.2 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.2 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | 3.1 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 2.9 |
| English Language | 2.6 |
| Public Safety and Security | 2.6 |
| Transportation | 2.6 |
| Administration and Management | 2.5 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.5 |
| Education and Training | 2.5 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 41.2% |
| Less than high school | 26.7% |
| Some college | 23.5% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 8.6% |
Typical Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word
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