How much do Hoist and Winch Operators make?
The median pay for Hoist and Winch Operators in the United States is $56,450 per year — about $27.14 per hour. Entry-level positions start near $35,640, while the most experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $118,210.
That is $4,940 less than the median across all occupations in BLS data ($61,390).
Hoist and Winch Operators salary range by percentile
Half of all Hoist and Winch Operators earn between $42,690 and $94,350 a year.
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,640 | $17.13 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $42,690 | $20.52 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $56,450 | $27.14 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $94,350 | $45.36 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $118,210 | $56.83 |
Highest-paying states for Hoist and Winch Operators
Where you work matters more than almost anything else. Illinois leads the country for Hoist and Winch Operators pay at $118,210 a year, followed by Hawaii ($107,100) and Maryland ($99,840). At the other end, Florida posts the lowest median at $33,570 — a gap of $84,640 for the same job, driven by local demand, industry mix, and cost of living.
Hoist and Winch Operators salary in every state
Official BLS state-level figures across 16 states and territories. Click a state for the full local breakdown.
Workforce and education
About 3,000 people work as Hoist and Winch Operators in the United States. The mean (average) wage is $67,710 — above the median, which means high earners pull the average up. On qualifications: a high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job, per O*NET occupation data.
Frequently asked questions
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Related salaries
Other transportation roles with similar pay.