How to hire a hoist operator

How to hire a hoist operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step hoist operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a hoist operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new hoist operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a hoist operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect hoist operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of hoist operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Hoist Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Hoist Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$13-18
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18
   Material Handler/Forklift Operator	A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pallets
   • Unload Materials
   • Safety Checks
   • Inventory Control
   • Clamp Truck
   • Load Trucks
   • Hoists
   • Safety Policies
   • Safety Rules
   • Hoisting
   • EX
   • Quality Inspection
   • Assembly Line
   • Equipment Gauges

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

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

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your hoist operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A hoist operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, hoist operators' average salary in louisiana is 21% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level hoist operators 28% less than senior-level hoist operators.
   • Certifications. A hoist operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a hoist operator's salary.

   Average hoist operator salary

   $16.07hourly

   $33,428 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level hoist operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a hoist operator job description

   A hoist operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a hoist operator job description:

   Hoist operator job description example

   Hoist Operator 2
   
   Starting Pay: $17.50
   
   This Position Offers a $1,000 Sign-on Bonus!
   
   St Charles, IL - Distribution/Warehouse
   
   Your Next Job Awaits You at RRD St Charles, IL!
   
   Join a Growing Team!
   
   2ND SHIFT - 2:30 PM-11:00 PM
   
   RRD is an EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled Employer
   
   Perks for joining the RRD team!!
   
   We have a comprehensive, full-time benefits package that includes: medical/dental/vision and life insurance, short/long-term disability,401(k) match, health savings and flexible spending accounts, and more. We believe in promoting from within, so there is definitely opportunity for growth at RRD. Grow to where you want to be.
   
   WALLACE AVE
   
   Responsibilities
   
   + Follow all safety requirements and use all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
   
   + Ensures that proper documentation is included with every order (Ex. Shipping labels, Packing list).
   
   + Verify that all special messages or needs have been adhered to when product is shipped.
   
   + Assist with picking, packing, or shipping of special orders as needed.
   
   + Operate several different types of pallet jacks, forklifts, and lift trucks; change batteries as needed.
   
   + Maintain integrity of work area by making sure it is clean, safe, and stocked with supplies.
   
   + Must be fully trained and able to operate a PIV and be comfortable with heights up to 35 feet high.
   
   + Special projects, as assigned.
   
   Required Skills
   
   WALLACE AVE:
   
   + Ability to work in a team environment required.
   
   + Basic Math and Computer skills.
   
   + Lifting up to 50 lbs. 4-6 hours and up to 70 lbs max.
   
   + Walking/Standing 8 hours. Bending/Stooping 2-3 hours.
   
   + Ability to walk, climb up and down stairs, bend, lift, push and pull various weights and shapes
   
   + Ability to identify key components of work unit documents to ensure total accuracy of work unit and all special handling requirements are met.
   
   + Ability to identify correct packaging material to ensure safe transit to final destination.
   
   + Ability to organize all components into proper packaging for delivery to final destination
   
   + Listen and interpret verbal instructions
   
   + Speak English for effective communication
   
   + Adapt to diverse communication styles and levels of understanding.
   
   Required Experience
   
   + Certification as an OSHA certified hoist operator preferred.
   
   + Previous material handling or inventory control experience preferred.
   
   + Computer literacy involving spreadsheets and word documents.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right hoist operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your hoist operator job on Zippia to find and recruit hoist operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit hoist operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new hoist operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the hoist operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new hoist operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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