Hoist operator vs winch operator

The differences between hoist operators and winch operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a hoist operator and a winch operator. Additionally, a winch operator has an average salary of $37,131, which is higher than the $33,428 average annual salary of a hoist operator.

The top three skills for a hoist operator include pallets, unload materials and safety checks. The most important skills for a winch operator are rig, well control, and winch truck.

Hoist operator vs winch operator overview

	Hoist Operator	Winch Operator
Yearly salary	$33,428	$37,131
Hourly rate	$16.07	$17.85
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	49,107	29,595
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 69%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	2	2

Hoist operator vs winch operator salary

Hoist operators and winch operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Hoist Operator	Winch Operator
Average salary	$33,428	$37,131
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $39,000	Between $25,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between hoist operator and winch operator education

There are a few differences between a hoist operator and a winch operator in terms of educational background:

	Hoist Operator	Winch Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 69%
Most common major	Business	Photography
Most common college	-	-

Hoist operator vs winch operator demographics

Here are the differences between hoist operators' and winch operators' demographics:

	Hoist Operator	Winch Operator
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8%	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 0.8% White, 73.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 0.8% White, 73.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between hoist operator and winch operator duties and responsibilities

Hoist operator example responsibilities.

Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Move inventory in support of logistics management.

Winch operator example responsibilities.

Operate winch truck on rig moves hauling drilling rigs from location to location.
Conduct daily field frac tank inspections within yard and at well sites.
Operate, tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operate cable equipment.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Observe safety practices and procedures to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Ensure that safety and environmental awareness are maintained at the highest possible standard.

Hoist operator vs winch operator skills

Common hoist operator skills

Pallets, 28%
Unload Materials, 21%
Safety Checks, 21%
Inventory Control, 9%
Clamp Truck, 4%
Load Trucks, 4%

Common winch operator skills

Rig, 63%
Well Control, 25%
Winch Truck, 12%

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Transportation Industry
Hoist Operator
Hoist Operator vs Winch Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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