Hoist and Winch Operators
SOC Code: 53-7041
Hoist and Winch Operatorss 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. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 80.4/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring.
AI-Proof Score: 80.4 — Very High
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Median Salary
$52,310
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Job Growth
-1.1%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Critical Thinking
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Monitoring
- •Time Management
- •Operation and Control
- •Active Listening
- •Coordination
- •Complex Problem Solving
- •Judgment and Decision Making
- •Social Perceptiveness
Common 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.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation