# Hoist and Winch Operators

> Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 53-7041.00
- **Summary:** Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

## Aliases

- Hoist Operator
- Hoistman
- Material Handler
- Service Operator
- Winch Derrick Operator
- Air Hoist Operator
- Air Lift Operator
- Boat Hoist Operator
- Boat Loader
- Boat Puller
- Bridge Rigger
- Building Rigger

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.n |
| Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Tend auxiliary equipment, such as jacks, slings, cables, or stop blocks, to facilitate moving items or materials for further processing. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.3.h |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Move materials, equipment, or supplies. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Position material handling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Select project materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Load shipments, belongings, or materials. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Communicate with others to coordinate material handling or movement. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Connect cables or electrical lines. | 4.A.3.a.2.ah |
| Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition. | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties. | 4.A.3.a.1.n |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.88 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.63 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.63 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.63 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.63 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.5 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.38 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.38 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.38 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.25 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.25 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.25 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.13 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.13 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.13 |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | ability | 3.13 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.09 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Instructing | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.99 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.89 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.81 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.79 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.76 |
| Time Pressure | 4.75 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.74 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.71 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.67 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.67 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.61 |
| Exposed to High Places | 4.59 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.59 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.57 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.56 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.51 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 4.33 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 4.32 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 4.2 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.17 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.1 |
| Contact With Others | 4.08 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 3.78 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.76 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.68 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.45 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.37 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.37 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.36 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.33 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.31 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.2 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.18 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.14 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.14 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 3.12 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 3.07 |
| Level of Competition | 2.92 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.89 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 26.72 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 23.51 |
| Some College Courses | 8.56 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.89 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.89 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 4.01 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.33 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.07 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.36 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.28 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.27 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.99 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 1.92 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.55 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.45 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.45 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 1.2 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.16 |
| Agriculture | specific_interest_area | 1.13 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 49-9096.00 | role-49-9096-00 | Riggers | Primary-Short |
| 53-7051.00 | role-53-7051-00 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | Primary-Short |
| 53-7021.00 | role-53-7021-00 | Crane and Tower Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-5022.00 | role-47-5022-00 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | Primary-Short |
| 49-3042.00 | role-49-3042-00 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | Primary-Long |
| 47-5071.00 | role-47-5071-00 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 47-2072.00 | role-47-2072-00 | Pile Driver Operators | Primary-Long |
| 49-9043.00 | role-49-9043-00 | Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Primary-Long |
| 53-7062.00 | role-53-7062-00 | Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-7042.00 | role-51-7042-00 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | Supplemental |
| 47-5044.00 | role-47-5044-00 | Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |
| Construction | construction |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 52310
- **Mean Wage:** 64070
- **Pct10Wage:** 33910
- **Pct25Wage:** 39220
- **Pct75Wage:** 90200
- **Pct90Wage:** 116120
- **Employment:** 2480
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 830 | 40110 | 4.04 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 540 | 76720 | 4.54 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 170 | 66280 | 18.43 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 140 | 61480 | 1.07 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 120 | 34780 | 0.83 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 110 | 35970 | 2.58 |
| 11 | 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | Sector | 60 | 56760 |  |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 30 | 74650 |  |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector |  | 33280 |  |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector |  | 104500 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 170 | 18.43 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 540 | 4.54 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 830 | 4.04 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 110 | 2.58 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 140 | 1.07 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 120 | 0.83 |
- **Count:** 10

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.65 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.9781997 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.5439873 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.126569 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 13
- **Percentile:** 9
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 18 | felten_aioe |
| 3 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 17 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.9781997 | 18 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0 | 3 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.06829769270637466 | 17 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.65
- **Percentile:** 55
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0
- **Gamma:** 0

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -1.1
- **Growth Percentile:** 22
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.3
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 4
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 2.7
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 2.7

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 13
- **Skills:** 33
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 2
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** e8cf95ed3e6ee8dc