Hoist and Winch Operators Salary 2025: $56,450 Median, $118k Top Pay
Hoist and Winch Operators hoist and move materials in construction, manufacturing, and shipping. The national median salary for this occupation is $56,450, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. At the top end, operators earn $118,210 or more, while the bottom 10% make $35,640 or less. The mean hourly wage works out to about $27.
How much Hoist and Winch Operators earn
Median annual pay for Hoist and Winch Operators is $56,450. The average (mean) salary is $67,710, which reflects the higher pay of a smaller number of very senior operators. Most operators earn between the 10th percentile ($35,640) and the 90th percentile ($118,210). Pay scales with experience, location, and industry.
- National median: $56,450 per year
- Mean annual wage: $67,710
- Hourly mean: about $27
- 10th percentile: $35,640
- 90th percentile: $118,210
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects earnings. Illinois tops the list with an average salary of $118,210 — more than double the national median. Other high-paying states: Hawaii ($107,100), Maryland ($99,840), Minnesota ($78,400), and New York ($74,980). At the low end, Florida averages $33,570, Wisconsin $36,560, and Virginia $37,020.
- Highest-paying states: IL ($118,210), HI ($107,100), MD ($99,840), MN ($78,400), NY ($74,980)
- Lowest-paying states: FL ($33,570), WI ($36,560), VA ($37,020)
How to become Hoist and Winch Operator
Most Hoist and Winch Operators learn on the job. Entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. Apprenticeships or technical school programs can speed advancement. Employers often prefer candidates with a valid commercial driver’s license and certification from organizations like the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), though requirements vary by state and job site.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship (1 to 2 years typical).
- Obtain state-specific licensing; many states require crane operator certification.
- Pass a physical exam and drug test required by most employers.
- Consider NCCCO certification to improve job prospects.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Hoist and Winch Operators will decline 1.1% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 300 jobs over the decade. However, roughly 300 openings are expected each year, mainly to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation. The small workforce — just 2,600 operators in 2024 — means even slight changes have a big percentage impact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Hoist and Winch Operator?
Entry-level operators earn around $35,640, the 10th percentile. Pay rises quickly with experience and certification.
Do Hoist and Winch Operators need a license?
Most states require operators of certain cranes or hoists to have a license or NCCCO certification. Check your state’s requirements. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is often required for mobile equipment.
Is Hoist and Winch Operator a good career?
It offers solid pay — a median above $56,000 — without a college degree. However, the occupation is small and shrinking slightly, so competition for jobs may exist. The work can be physically demanding and involves safety risks.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Hoist and Winch Operators data.