Hoist and Winch Operators Salary in U.S.
In U.S., hoist and winch operators earn $52,310 at the median — $25.15 an hour. The range runs from $34K at the entry level to $116K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $52K get you in U.S.?
About hoist and winch operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level hoist and winch operators (10th percentile) start around $34K. Mid-career wages sit at $52K.Top earners bring in $116K or more - a $82K spread from bottom to top.
Hoist and Winch Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $116K | +122% | 310 |
| Hawaii | $101K | +93% | 110 |
| Nevada | $90K | +72% | 30 |
| Maryland | $88K | +68% | 160 |
| Wyoming | $74K | +41% | 40 |
| West Virginia | $66K | +26% | 60 |
| Minnesota | $66K | +26% | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $62K | +18% | N/A |
| Alabama | $59K | +13% | 50 |
| New York | $59K | +13% | N/A |
| Oregon | $56K | +6% | 80 |
| Idaho | $51K | -3% | 50 |
| Alaska | $49K | -6% | 30 |
| Washington | $48K | -9% | 190 |
| Missouri | $47K | -11% | N/A |
Track hoist and winch operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hoist and winch operators make in U.S.?
The median is $52,310 a year - that works out to about $25.15 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $33,910, and experienced hoist and winch operators can clear $116,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $52K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,673/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 38.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hoist and winch operators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hoist and winch operators salary is worth about $52,310 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hoist and winch operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.